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.
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Shelly's White Blanketed Shetland Fleece, Raw US $15.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 14:51:47 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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WASHED White Shetland SUPERSOFT long staple 8 ounce bag US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 19:47:26 PST Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
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WASHED White Shetland SUPERSOFT long staple 8 ounce bag US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 19:48:36 PST Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
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WASHED White Shetland SUPERSOFT long staple 8 ounce bag US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 19:49:49 PST Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
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Natural Brown Shetland Wool Top 8 Ounces Spinning Felt US $11.00 End Date: Friday Nov-21-2008 19:02:34 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list |
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Natural Black Shetland Wool Top 8 Ounces Spinning Felt US $10.50 End Date: Saturday Nov-22-2008 17:11:27 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list |
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Shetland Top -8 oz Soft Spinning Fiber US $11.75 End Date: Sunday Nov-23-2008 6:14:45 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list |
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Shetland Wool Top Natural Grey 8 Ounces Spinning Felt US $11.00 End Date: Sunday Nov-23-2008 17:24:00 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list |
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SHEEP WOOL 3 lbs offwhite Shetland Ewe fleece batting US $9.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Sunday Nov-23-2008 19:00:00 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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SHEEP WOOL 1.5 lbs Shetland Ewe hand-skirted fleece NR US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Nov-23-2008 19:15:00 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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.