Shetland

Shetland sheep are considered to be a down wool breed. Shetland wool has a relatively long staple length, averaging about 4 inches, and is soft, with a micron count that typically varies from abut 23-30, making it an excellent fiber for spinners. Shetland wool also felts a bit more easily than other down wools, so you will be able to use it successfully for felting projects.

Auctions for Shetland roving and top, as well as raw Shetland fleece and blends, are often found on eBay. Any current auctions are listed below – click a picture or link to get more information or place a bid.

black-shetland-top-2-lb-fine-spin-fiber-shawls Black Shetland Top -2 lb Fine Spin Fiber Shawls
US $42.95
End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 10:03:54 PDT
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black-shetland-top-4-lb-fine-spin-fiber-shawls Black Shetland Top -4 lb Fine Spin Fiber Shawls
US $82.95
End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 10:13:22 PDT
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washed-white-shetland-fleece-super-long-locks-so-soft!! Washed White Shetland Fleece SUPER LONG LOCKS so soft!!
US $16.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 14:39:34 PDT
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washed-white-shetland-fleece-4-ounces-spinning-sampler! Washed White Shetland Fleece 4 OUNCES SPINNING SAMPLER!
US $4.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 14:51:10 PDT
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-blue-horse-roving-gorgeous-shetland-lamb-kid-mohair- Blue Horse Roving - Gorgeous Shetland lamb/kid mohair
US $18.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 16:09:01 PDT
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-blue-horse-roving-gorgeous-shetland-lamb-kid-mohair- Blue Horse Roving - Gorgeous Shetland lamb/kid mohair
US $36.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 16:09:18 PDT
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black-shetland-top-1-lb-fine-spin-fiber-shawls Black Shetland Top -1 lb Fine Spin Fiber Shawls
US $22.95
End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 13:59:50 PDT
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2oz-white-shetland-lincoln-washed-locks-to-needlefelt 2oz white shetland/lincoln washed locks to needlefelt
US $4.99
End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 18:17:11 PDT
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brown-shetland-top-3-lb-spinning-fiber-shawls Brown Shetland Top - 3 lb Spinning Fiber Shawls
US $62.95
End Date: Sunday Aug-01-2010 16:31:23 PDT
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silver-shetland-fleece-skirted-unwashed-3-lbs Silver, Shetland Fleece , skirted,Unwashed 3 lbs
US $10.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 11:34:36 PDT
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You’ll also find Shetland wool for spinning at Paradise Fibers, in white and other natural colors.

Although white is the most frequently found natural color for Shetland fiber, you’ll find it in a wide variety of other natural colors, including shade of brown ranging from fawn and golden brown to reddish brown and dark brown, black, and shades of grey ranging from a light grey to a dark silvery grey. The quality of crimp found on a Shetland wool fleece is somewhat variable – from almost straight to slightly wavy to fairly strongly crimped.

If you’re interested in processing your own wool from a raw fleece, you’ll be happy to know that Shetland wool does not have a very high lanolin content. This means that it will be easier for you to clean and that the clean yield you’ll get from a raw Shetland fleece is quite high.