Kathy Donovan began raising Karakul heritage sheep in Virginia in 2004 despite having no prior shepherding. She became an Oxford Certified Instructor in 2014. Through Checkmate Farm LLC, Kathy sells hand-dyed wool rug yarn, wool fabric, rug designs, and punch yarn kits for Oxford regular and fine needles. She offers classes on her farm in Cartersville, near Richmond, Virginia, and at fiber festivals. Kathy is a member of ATHA and the Virginia Artisan Trail Network. Her website is www.checkmatefarm.com, and her rug yarn can be found on Etsy under checkmatefarmrugyarn.