RAMSAY FARMS: Moorit fleeces

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Moorit fleeces

Since I have had most of my lambs born so far from ewes that were leased out, I myself have had few ewe lambs (10), and two are moorit based (a musket and a mioget). So to make myself feel better I'm going to post a few photos of some moorit fleeces that I DO have so I can feel better about myself hahaha.

My ratio for black based vs. moorit based is almost 2:1. This does include all patterns except white, so the 21 gray katmoget adult ewes I have are counted as black.

SO if anyone would like to pout with me....

5 comments:

Dawn said...: Is it a better color, or just a preference? Personally I think the black ones are just beautiful, but then I am just an onserver.; April 14, 2011 at 2:47 PM
Ebonwald Cardigans said...: Hi Dawn! Moorit is just MOST recessive. Moorit/Brown is recessive to black. And to get a solid brown/moorit lamb it has to be most recessive to all the other patterns, so its hard to get and keep if you keep breeding to blacks and other patterns like I have been doing.

I love the blacks too! That's probably why I have so many sheep :)

BTW when I get my roving back (or yarn) I'm going to send you some to see what you can do with it (and if you like it!); April 14, 2011 at 2:51 PM
Kara said...: Garrett I only closed the one blog. The other remains active www.mapletonsheepforsale.blogspot.com; April 14, 2011 at 8:12 PM
Dawn said...: OK I understand now. I really do love all the varied colors you seem to have. The shades in the photos are really lovely. Dog colors I get, bird colors I get, sheep I have never really needed to learn. LOL. I just know I want to play with those darling lambs.

And learning about fiber has been really fun.; April 15, 2011 at 8:49 AM
Jenny Holden said...: Good fleeces! I have moorit envy now as Tolly doesn't seem to throw moorit lambs. Definitely a moorit tup next season :o); April 17, 2011 at 5:15 PM

Who we are

Ramsay Farms is situated in the northeastern part of Ottertail County, near Perham, Minnesota. This family farm of 320 acres has been in the Ramsay family for five generations, dating back to 1892. Today our farm prides itself on our Simmental cattle, Shetland Sheep and BlueFaced Leicester sheep. We strive to breed animals that closest match the breed standards given to them, and mindful of production, health and longevity in our animals as well.

In spring of 2016, there was a purchase of 32 acres in Green County, Wisconsin to accommodate Garrett for his work in that region. The animals have for the most part been moved to that location. Both locations will work in tandem to continue educating and promoting these animals and this way of life.

From the Shetland Sheep Society

"Shetland sheep have for generations been noted for their very soft and well crimped fleece. The wool is the finest of all native breeds and shows an amazing variety of colours and patterns. There are 11 main whole colours and 30 recognised markings.

By selecting from coloured fleeces a range of naturally coloured yarn can be produced. This eliminates the need for dyeing and therefore retains the soft feel of the natural fibre and is favoured by those who prefer a totally natural approach.

Shetland wool fibres are of a simple construction witha central cortex covered by a thin scaly cuticle, and have an average diameter of about 23 microns. However there is a range from 10-20 microns for neck and shoulder wool to 25to 35 microns for britch wool. the average staple length is 3.5 inches. The amount of crimp varies, and is most important in providing the 'bounce' required for knitwear. There is a positive correlation between fineness and crimp, with wool of the finest quality being crimped at between 8 and 12 to the inch. Wool from shetland sheep is used to produce gossamer lace, the famous 'Fair Isle' knitwear, and fine tweeds. Pure bred Shetland sheep tend to shed their fleece in sprin. The growth of new fleece can cause a rise or weak point and where this is present the fleece can sometimes be plucked or 'rooed' by hand. The timing of this can be different in each sheep, however, it is worth taking the care to get it right as rooed fleece can be amongst the softest because the fibres have no harsh cut ends as occurs with a sheared fleece.

Shetland fleece can be handspun straight from the fleece or made into rolags and then woollen spun. It can also be sorsted spun by hand, used on a peg loom or handwoven. It also felts well using either dry or wet methods. When processed commercially the wool can be made into the finest lightweight worsted cloth or heavier weight, harder wearing fabrics and tweeds."

RAMSAY FARMS

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Moorit fleeces

5 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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