Portland Sheep Fleeces

Bramble Portland Fleeces feature in National Spinners magazine more

New page; the uses of Portland fleeces including felting more

*July 2004  Selected rolled fleeces available NOW*

Shearing 2003

This year we chose June 7th as shearing day. About a week later than usual.  We booked Derek, our shearer and hoped for a fine day.  After a week of dry weather it rained on the Friday but luckily the sheep dried out in time for shearing to start. Wet sheep cannot be shorn. They do not shear easily, the fleece will be wet when it comes off and will probably rot when stored, but most importantly the shearing machines are usually driven by mains electricity which does not mix well with water!

However all was well and the rain the previous day gave the fleeces a nice wash in advance of shearing. We have sent fleeces all over the country over the last few years and by chance someone rang two days after shearing looking for a fleece to go back to the United States first thing the next morning. Someone drove down from Bristol at 7.00pm delivered it to a hotel back in Bristol and 12 hours later an American gentleman was in the air taking it back to New Hampshire as a present for his wife who spins. Probably the first Portland fleece to be spun in New Hampshire although we have sent fleeces to other States.

As last year all the fleeces were laid out on the barn floor on sheets before rolling them later. This gave time to sort and select them instead of having to do it in a rush during shearing. Each fleece was individually selected and checked as suitable for hand spinning before being carefully rolled. Fleeces can be sent by post to anywhere in the U.K and to most countries including the U.S.A.more

The shorn ewes on their way back to their field. Rather relieved to have their coats off inthe warm sunshine. As it happened the next week proved to be very warm so our timing was spot on.

Can I have my fleece back please?

Portland fleeces are highly regarded by hand spinners. When washed they are are a creamy white colour. Another use is in felting MORE

Rolled fleeces from the 'Bramble' flock of Portlands have been regular prize winners at shows throughout the summer months.

In the Wool on the Hoof classes where the sheep are judged by their fleeces the flock have won a number of awards including the Supreme Interbreed Championship at the Dorset Rare Breeds Show.

Acertificate for the highest possible grading awarded to one of our rams.

Rolled unwashed Fleeces can be sent by post to any part of the U.K.

The cost of the average fleece is £7.00 (up to 2 kg in weight). plus postage and packing of £6.50 

For fleeces over 2kg in weight the charge is £7.00 plus £3.50 for each additional kilogram. Thus fleeces between 2 and 3 kg are £10.50 plus postage and packing. (postage and packing between 2 and 4 kg is £8.00)

Most Portland fleeces normally average 2kg. Although they can weigh between 1.5kg and 4kg at the top end

Postage to the USA can be confirmed on an individual basis depending on fleece weight. Payment from the USA and other countries can be be made by Direct Bank Transfer in Pounds Sterling or by posting a Foriegn Bankers Draft made out in Pounds Sterling. Delivery to the U.S.A. is usually about one week following confirmation that the funds have been cleared in the U.K.

The Spring 2002 issue of the National Journal of the Association of Guilds of Weavers Spinners and Dyers has a seven page feature on the Portland fleece. Bramble Portlands are featured in photographs and we supplied some of the fleeces. Four of the Guilds undertook a challenge to produce items from Portland fleeces. 'All the Guilds praised the quality of the fleeces' was one quote.

please telephone 01823 480249 or

E Mail howell@portlandsheep.co.uk for more details or information.