All these sheep are raised on our farm, shorn by a team of experienced shearers and skirted by Brooke. If you are wondering about the names, all our breeding sheep are given names starting with a letter corresponding to the year. So the lamb fleeces all have names starting with “J”, because they were born in 2021. The H’s were born in 2020, the G’s were born in 2019, and so on.
How do we skirt?
All fleeces are skirted to the best of my ability, but animals are not coated, so there is likely to be a small amount of vegetable matter, etc from winter feeding. The amount of VM is estimated where I was able to, particularly on those fleeces with higher amounts. Some fleeces may have a small amount of second cuts as well – this is noted on fleeces where it may be more of a concern. Soundness of all the fleeces was checked, if there is a weakness in the fleece it is noted in the description, and pricing adjusted. Britch wool has been removed, unless specified. Some of these fleeces are showing some yellowing simply due to the time passed since shearing. This yellowing should scour out without much trouble.
“I got the fleece and scoured up a test section of the white one. It looks so pretty and bright white! I will be back to buy more after these ones are processed. Thanks again! They were exactly as advertised which I really appreciate when buying online.” – Erica
How do we price?
Fleeces are priced based on quality, consistency, weight and breed. Amount of VM and second cuts will impact the pricing as well. Fleeces can be shipped at the buyers expense, or delivered if possible. Please contact us for more information about any of the fleeces listed.
“I was very happy with both fleeces and they met or exceeded my expectations given the descriptions, photos, and price point. Overall, they are friendly, medium fleeces that will work perfectly for their intended final destination as a fuzzy, woven blanket for my bed.” -Sara
What are the breeds of sheep that grow the wool we sell?
A description of each breed of wool is listed below, paraphrased from The Field Guide to Fleece by Deborah Robson & Carol Ekarius. Click on the breed to be redirected to a listing of a description and photos of the individual fleeces available.
A versatile longwool with varying fibre diameters. Large, dense fleeces with distinct locks and a bold crimp. Generally a low grease content, so can be spun in the grease. Amenable fleeces that also take dye well. Coarser fleeces are great for outerwear, mats and durable items, while finer fleeces work for sweaters, shawls and occasionally next to skin garments. Finer fleeces may not felt well, while coarser ones generally will.
We have both purebred and crossbred Romney fleeces for sale.
A medium breed wool, both comfortable and able to stand up to some abuse. Dense locks and blocky staples, and a well developed crimp give it a springy quality. Can be spun from the lock or carded. Pleasant to spin with lots of air and bounce to the yarn. Also blends well with less elastic fibres, adding resilience and loft. Takes dye well. Can be used for everything from mittens or shawls to industrial felts.
Bluefaced Leicester cross Fleeces
Lustrous, silky longwool that is fairly predictable. Generally uniform fleece with a springy appearance. Locks can be slippery to prepare. Takes dye clearly. Versatile – fine enough to be comfortable next to skin, yet is durable. Blends well with other fibres. Uses include sweaters, socks, mittens, and woven fabrics for clothing and household use.
The fleeces offered are from ewes which are BFL crossed with North Country Cheviot, or Clun Forest and Dorset adding bulk and resilience to the fleece.
These fleeces are generally Clun Forest cross or Dorset cross, so characteristics are similar to those breeds. We have Romney cross coloured fleeces and a few BFL cross coloured fleeces, listed separately.
Dorset wool is versatile and somewhat crisp, with good body. An organized, regular, and relatively fine crimp pattern in both fibre and lock makes it amendable to a variety of preparation methods. Crimp varies and a fleece with a more open crimp pattern will be slightly easier to spin that one with tighter crimp. Spun using the woolen method will give more airiness, while the worsted method will give more compactness. Dorset is suited to everyday garments, blankets and the like. It is reluctant to felt.
Loch Lomond Livestock Ltd. 