Fantastic Fiber for Sale
We of course, would rather sell whole raw fleeces. However, we know that a whole fleece can be a sizeable investment, and possibly more than you need for a project. So, we sell smaller quantities. normally, quarter pound, half pound, full pound. When a fleece is in the raw state, It is ofter referred to as a "grease" fleece. That is because it can contain between 20 and 35 percent natural oils (lanolin) and associated dirt. That is one reason we sell our smaller quantities as washed. Bear in mind when comparing prices, that when you buy washed wool, you are getting more wool per pound than with raw wool. The other reason is convenience, you can card and spin washed wool right out of the box. We want you to be happy with the fleece you purchase from us. If you want a sample of a given fleece, we will send you a sample lock or a card load to inspect. If you decide you do not want the fleece, all we ask is that you give us an honest assessment of the wool. This helps us to keep current with the needs of our customers. We believe that praise is silver, but an honest critique is gold.
When we shear, we choose either electric or manual shears depending on the individual sheep, and the wool they have produced. Shearing with manual shears can take anywhere between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on how tight the fleece is, and the sheep being sheared. It takes longer, but the quality of the cut is better. Very little is lost to second cuts. Any vegetable matter, mats, and manure tags can be removed as the fleece is sheared. If the wool matters most, then I think it is worth it.
We work our own wool, and have a good idea of its qualities. We take a good sample of each of our fleeces. Check it for soundness, measure the fiber length, then wash and hand card it. The feel of the carded fleece is soft and luxurious. The final color comes out when we take it for a test spin. We keep samples of each fleece for future reference. Because the fleece is important to us. we make breeding and purchase decisions based on fleece qualities.
Fiber is how our sheep earn their keep. they often get impatient with the shearing, but are oh so glad to loose the fleece. Over the millennium the partnership between sheep and shepherd has produced a symbiotic relationship. The sheep need to be sheared. Shepherds then sell this fleece the sheep no longer need, to buy things like winter feed for the sheep. To some, it may sound simplistic, but that is the basic nature of the contract. Some individuals have claimed that this is usury, and that shearing is abuse. This is not true, the thick and luxurious fleeces of domesticated sheep can be a annoyance, or even a hazard to the sheep. Many of the domesticated breeds would not be able to survive in wild. A fleece that is to long will become matted, and is very uncomfortable for the sheep. The mats can cause sores, and attract insects. Flees and lice are uncomfortable, but fly strike can kill, and painfully. Additionally, a long fleece can be very heavy, especially if it gets wet. Sheep with a heavy fleece can be stuck on their back, unable to get back to their feet. This is commonly called "cast down", and is fatal for any ruminant, generally within an hour. As a side note, If you ever see a sheep stuck on their back, help them to get back upright. You will probably be saving their life. Both the sheep and the shepherd will appreciate it.