Fleeces and lambskins

Fleece: From our pure bred Welsh Mountain Badger Face sheep we have Torwen (black/chocolate brown) and Torddu (predominantly white with some black/grey) raw, unwashed, undipped fleeces for sale for hand spinners, knitters, weavers, felters and craftspeople. There may be the odd spot of coloured marking spray on the Torddu, but these can be picked or washed out and any soiled parts are removed (if we miss a bit, just fling it on your compost heap). According to the British Coloured Sheep Breeds Association, the wool from both types of Badger Face is firm and of medium length. Averages: Staple length 7-10cm, Bradford count 46-56, Micron measurement 37-28, Weight 1.5-2Kg. Samples of our Torwen and Torddu fleeces were sent to the United States to be spun, knitted and photographed by the authors for their gorgeous Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook published in 2011. According to authors Deborah Robson & Carol Ekarius:

fleece 1.6 - 2kg
staple length 3-4 inches (7.5-10cm)
Fibre diameter: 26-37 microns (spinning counts 46s-56s) in practice may be much coarser
lock characteristics: rectangular locks with short tapering tips. Definite but disorganised crimp in fibres and locks
Torddu: upper wool white to light beige or tan
Torwen: upper wool black or brown

Scroll down the page for images.

Lambskins and sheepskins: Cured at a local Dartmoor tannery the lambskins retain their natural curl and show off the gorgeous Badger Face colouring with the creamy body defined by a chocolate brown border (Torddu) or deep chocolate with a cream border (Torwen). Use as throws, rugs, armchair and luxurious car seat covers or to really indulge an adored pet. Shapes and sizes are entirely individual but they measure approx 100cm x 75cm. Occasionally we have sheepskins available from older sheep which are larger and we are happy to take an advance order for these as we only have a few sheepskins available each year.

For prices check out the price list. Contact us to place an order or with any queries.

The photographs on the left show a Torddu lambskin, a ewe showing the amazing insulating qualities of her fleece and a freshly shorn fleece. On the right is a Torwen lambskin, a ewe immediately after shearing, and the fleece that had been on her back half an hour previously.

What our customers say:
"Just to say thanks very much for the sheepskin- it's perfect! I was very impressed with the prompt delivery and surprisingly efficient packaging (had no idea it would bundle so tightly). It looks fantastic, and Ella has been very happy to gurgle on it inbetween feeds and nappy changes. In fact I'm rather jealous!" MH, Cardiff
"Just to let you know we received the fleeces today and they are more beautiful than expected. I can make some lovely wall-hangings using the raw colours. Many thanks for your updates and quick despatch." KM, Lincolnshire
"The lambskins have arrived thanks and been admired by all who've seen them"
"The lambskins have been lovely to have on the sofas in this weather. They were supposed to be Christmas presents but loved them so kept them. I am so pleased I did." NC, Warwickshire.
"The lambskin arrived this morning and it's absolutely gorgeous. The photographs on the website don't do it justice - you can't see its full sumptuousness! Totally delighted with it - thank you so much." CL, Coventry.
"Very fast delivery, and fleece is lovely, thanks."
"Speedy delivery, nice clean fleece, cant wait to spin it up."
"Thank you so much for the fleece, they are great." RD, Somerset.
"My husband... genuinely approves of my gift, which he has over the rocking chair where he is sitting in front of the fireplace. For my part I love the colour combination and really look forward to one of my own in due course. I bought a sheepskin some 40 years ago and took it with me to Norway but it was not as exciting as these long curly skins. Maybe I am getting old and appreciate quality and more original products." VHG. Norway (image of skin in Norway below).