Joyce Williams: Fiber Enthusiast

Joyce Williams’ love of wool led her to an informal apprenticeship with a local sheep farmer. While there she learned so much and her love for all things sheep deepened. Joyce experienced shepherding from birth to shearing through death. She knows how to clean, process and dye wool. She can spin, weave, and sew.  Joyce often works the Tannery booth at sheep and wool festivals. She can hold a conversation with anyone about every aspect of wool and sheep. It really is awe-inspiring to watch.

Before opening the Tannery, Danielle and Bethany worked with Joyce at a local Farm to Table restaurant. Joyce washed dishes while Danielle ran the front of the house and Bethany waited on tables at Cow & Quince in New Glarus, Wisconsin until COVID ultimately shuttered the beloved restaurant.

When Driftless Tannery was little more than a concept, Joyce wanted in. She asked Danielle monthly how she could help. She was, and still is, our greatest cheerleader. She and her wife, Sandy, helped us build out the first Tannery workspace with some repurposed cabinets and tables.

When we were ready, Joyce became our very first employee. She has done every task there is to do at the tannery but seems to be particularly fond of washing and rinsing bark tan out of hides. Currently she is taking a class on natural dyes and hopes to be able to use that knowledge to help us develop some naturally dyed sheepskin products in the future.

The Tannery is Joyce’s retirement gig. She was a LPN for 11 years before going back to school for a degree in electronics . She worked for the next 27 years as a biomedical equipment technician at both the University of Wisconsin and St. Mary’s Hospital systems. She often dusts off her mechanical skills to help us troubleshoot, maintain and repair our small equipment. As I write this, she is working on restoring a Consew vintage sewing machine for us.

Joyce Williams’ warm personality is welcome everywhere. She can relate to just about everyone and she makes friends very easily. She started practicing gratitude years ago-each day she makes a point to consider all of the reasons she is grateful. Her good humor is infectious. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have Joyce on our team. She brings so much lived experience and joy to our tiny tannery.

Stop by and meet Joyce for yourself at one of our booths this year:

Michigan Fiber Festival in Allegan, Michigan: August 14-16, 2026

Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival in Jefferson, Wisconsin: September 11-13, 2026

New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, New York: October 17-18, 2026

Thanks as always for reading and following us on our journey.

-Team Driftless