Shetland Roving | Natural White/Cream | 1oz Wool
We are delighted to present our United States sourced Shetland Wool, directly procured from a dedicated ranch in California.
About the Breed:
The Shetland sheep breed is a small-sized breed of domestic sheep that originated in the Shetland Islands, which are located off the northeast coast of Scotland. They are one of the Northern European short-tailed sheep breeds and have adapted well to the harsh and variable climate of the islands.
Fleece Characteristics:
The fleece of Shetland sheep is one of the most prized features of the breed. It is known for being soft, fine, and extremely versatile, making it highly sought after by fiber artists and hand spinners. The wool's micron count typically ranges from 20 to 30 microns, with some variation in fineness depending on the specific lineage and the sheep's age. The fibers have a high crimp, which gives the wool elasticity and resilience.
Best Use of Wool:
Shetland wool is renowned for its wide range of natural colors, including various shades of white, gray, brown, and black, making it highly valued for hand knitting, weaving, and other fiber arts. Due to its softness and fine texture, Shetland wool is often used for creating garments and accessories that come in direct contact with the skin, such as scarves, shawls, gloves, and sweaters. The wool is also frequently blended with other fibers, such as silk or alpaca, to add strength, sheen, or warmth to the final product.
Staple Length of the Lock:
The staple length of Shetland sheep's fleece can vary, but on average, it ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches (approximately 6 to 10 cm). The staple length refers to the average length of individual locks of wool when they are shorn from the sheep's body. A longer staple length is generally preferred for ease of processing and spinning, as it allows spinners to create longer continuous yarns without needing to join individual fibers frequently.
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