Gotland sheep produce a lustrous fiber that is soft and silky. However, getting it made into yarn at a Maine fiber mill is a bit of a challenge. Gotland tends to suffer big losses of fiber through its processing - especially the dark fleeces. It is therefore a bit of a rarity to find mill-spun Gotland yarn from Maine.
We had Gotland fleece from Shepherds Craft Farm processed into yarn at Aroostook Fiberworks in Ashland. There, it was mixed with 20% merino wool in an effort to help with processing.
The silver grey skeins are 3.5 oz. and have approximately 90 yards (bulky). The medium grey skeins are 3-3.2 oz. and have approximately 125 yards (aran). These Gotland skeins knit at 3.5 - 4 sts. per inch on a US #9 or #10 needle.
Shepherds Craft Farm was located in Whitefield, but is in the process of relocating a few towns away. Shepherd Laurel Banks' enthusiasm for sustainable farming - both from an economic and environmental standpoint - is contagious. She is passionate about producing the finest fleeces. Read about our visit to Shepherds Craft Farm on our blog.