Care of fleeces begins before the lamb’s birth, with attention to the ewe’s nutrition before and during gestation. Before they leave the lambing pen, lambs are coated, and as they grow, their “clothes” are changed many times to accommodate growing bodies and fleeces. Prior to shearing (some shorn in September; others in April), fleece samples are tested. Prospective buyers have in hand the micron count, comfort factor, staple length, and weight of a fleece from a specific animal, to plan breeding programs or fiber projects.

Black Sheep Farm is proud to be a producer member of the Chesapeake Fibershed.

We focus on genetic expression of recessive color: dark browns and silvers, moorit, and variegated fleeces for hand-spinning and felting. Fleeces are for sale at the farm on shearing days, by advance arrangement, and at several festivals in the region. If you are looking for a particular color, contact the farm. We’ll send samples—virtual (images emailed), or actual (locks from a fleece).

Currently available (autumn 2023 shearing) are the fleeces shown below, which are from ewes covered year-round. Well-skirted with little VM. The images below were obtained by placing the page of samples on a printer scanner; the colors are a little darker here than they are “in person.” Weights: The fleece weights shown here don’t reflect final skirting, so the weights shown (for most fleeces) will be at least 15% less.

Fleeces are $18/lb plus shipping (except for those of Dora, Dory, and Ella, which are excellent felting fleeces and are $16/lb).  Please fill out the contact form (including your address) if you wish to purchase a fleece (or have questions); I’ll do a final skirting, email you with the final weight and shipping cost, invoice you (via Paypal, Venmo, or check), and upon payment mail your purchase.

 

See also the Shop page for roving and batting processed from our fleeces. This is updated as new processed items arrive.