The Wool Initiative

The Wool Initiative was established in 2001 by a group of Rare Sheep Breeders in Northern Ireland. Their aims are to exploit the unique qualities of the fleeces produced by the diverse breeds of sheep listed as endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

They stock the following:

Fleeces are supplied as washed or unwashed, in packs of 50gm. 100gm. or by kilo. A variety from most Rare and Traditional sheep breeds, of natural colours and the wide range of wool characteristics (staple length, fineness, lustre, crimp etc.) for use by spinners, felters, weavers and many other craftspeople.

Yarns are available from the following breeds - Whitefaced Woodland. Dorset Down, Southdown, Portland, Kerry Hill, Shetland (White), Shetland ( grey), Shetland (dark moorit), Shetland (fawn), Jacob, Oxford Down, Shropshire, Galway, Teeswater, Wensleydale, Leicester Longwool.

Custom-dyed yarn - Any of our yarns may be custom-dyed to suit your special requirements.

DRUMLIN Weaver's Yarn - supplied oiled-on-cone
Double Knitting 50gm balls, Natural and Dyed and fine Weavers Yarn

For information on the Wool Initiative, the sheep breeds or to order, visit their website www.woolinitiative.com

They attend the Rare Breeds Survival Trust Annual Show and Sale at Gosford Forest Park, Co. Antrim on 5th September.