Shetland wool from the Shetland sheep is an exquisite fibre. It is so fine that it can be spun to the thickness of a strand of cotton. It should not be confused with the itchy, coarse ‘shetland’ knitwear that has flooded the shops over the last couple of decades. Most of our Shetland wool has been woven into cloth and it has the feel of a soft, fine cashmere. Shetlands are a rare and primitive breed, with only several thousand in existence in the world. They were introduced to the Shetland Isles by the Viking settlers over 1000 years ago. They have retained their primitive habits, and often exhibit goat-like behaviour.

Whilst our Wensleydales are happy to graze, the Shetlands like foraging in the hedgerows and eating nettles and thistles. They always manage to find a way out of their pastures and love to explore the lanes. Some orphan ones that we raised particularly enjoyed garden flowers and especially roses. They are inquisitive, gregarious and very friendly. They produce a multitude of different colours of fleece. The katmogets, for example, are fawn or grey and the moorit are a wonderful chestnut tinged brown. Our cloth has been woven using their natural colours. They do not produce an abundance of wool, enough for just over 1 garment each year.

Our Shetland wool comes predominantly from our own flock of around 250 Shetland sheep. Most of our animals were destined for the meat markets – we stepped in and offered them good and often better prices to save them. They reside here in the Yorkshire Dales where they will live out their entire natural lives. We continue to intervene and purchase any which we hear are about to go to market.