Welcome Handspinners!
Here you will find all of Ramstead Ranch’s gorgeous raw wool fleeces
Choose from our 60+ fleeces. Raising divine Romney fleeces is our first love, but we also enjoy spinning other fabulous wool breeds like Cotswold so we had to add a few of them to our flock too.
Scroll down to view all our fleeces, or use these links to jump to our Natural Colored fleeces, White fleeces, Lamb fleeces, or Bargain fleeces. We shear our flock early in March, and throughout the month we update the website with photos and descriptions of the current year’s fleece. To learn more about our sheep and the wonderful life they live here on our farm, click here.
We are pleased to continue the tradition of offering superior Romney and Romney-cross fleeces, many of which originated with Melissa Lines from SkyLines Farm in Harvard, ID. These are fleeces we have come to know and love over the years, and you may still recognize many of her ewe’s names in our list below. We wish our dear friend Melissa a happy retirement (from sheep) and look forward to carrying on her legacy.
Updates: Winter 2016
Shearing day is on its way! Reserve your favorite fleeces now and receive a beautifully clean and fresh fleece in the weeks following shearing day (March 5th, 2016). I still have several beauties, so pick you favorites before they are snapped up. The girls have been working all year to grow beautiful fiber for your spinning pleasure–see fleece and staple photos below to find the ones that are just right for you!
I send out emails to announce when major fiber activities happen such as shearing day and website updates. If you are not currently on my Fleece and Fiber mailing list, please click here to sign up!
Price
Raw fleeces cost $22/lb plus shipping and $12 box/handling fee. We require a $50 deposit per fleece to hold your reservation.
How to reserve your fleeces
You can reserve fleeces for a future shearing date any time during the year. Send an email to let us know which fleeces you want, and you’ll need to pay a $50/fleece deposit.
To pay online: Pay with credit/debit card using PayPal by clicking on the “Pay Now” link below. My account is eileen@ramsteadranch.com. List the names of the fleeces you want to reserve below your shipping info.
To pay using a check: Please pay to the order of Ramstead Ranch, and mail your check and list of chosen fleeces to PO Box 470, Ione, WA 99139. Make sure you have sent an email to let me know which fleeces you want and that your check is on its way.
Once we receive your deposit, we will update the website with your initials next to the fleeces of your choice, and we will let you know that your reservation has been confirmed.
To purchase fleeces that are currently available (already shorn and not reserved), just send an email with the names of the fleeces you’d like to purchase and include your shipping address. We’ll send an invoice back to you with the total price due and the option to pay online using PayPal or with a check mailed here to the farm. After we receive your payment your fleeces will be on their way asap.
Reserve your favorite fleeces Now! $50 deposit per fleece
What to expect
After your reservation has been confirmed, you will hear from us again in March after shearing day. We will thoroughly second-skirt your fleeces, weigh them, and email you an invoice with your balance including shipping and handling fees and minus your deposit. Fleeces typically ship via UPS. Once we have received the balance of your payment, we will ship your fleeces to you within 3-5 business days.
Do you have questions?
It is very important to us that you receive not only the highest quality fleeces, but also fleeces with the color, hand, and character that you want! If you have specific questions about our fleeces PLEASE do not hesitate to ask us. Send an email directly to Eileen, our head shepherdess and knowledgeable spinner, at eileen@ramsteadranch.com
. You will receive a prompt response!
Natural Colored Fleeces for Sale
| Sheep Name | 2016 Fleece Photo click to enlarge | Description | Breed | Weight | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anna |  | Anna's variegated fleece is mixed with shades of medium grey and a few light smokes grey and dark charcoal gray accents. She has wonderful luster and a long Romney staple. Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | TBD | 2016 RESERVED CS 2017 Available |
| Belia |  | Note: Photo is from 2015 fleece. Belia has a widely variegated fleece that ranges in color from very light silver to smoky medium grey. Her fleece is loosely crimped, the handle is light, and she has a lot of luster. Very nice! Click to view staple photo | Cotswold ewe | 4.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED CS 2017 Available |
| Benen |  | Benen’s fleece is variegated with dark and medium shades of smoky charcoal. She has contrasting mahogany tips and silver fibers throughout her fleece. With a medium crimp and full hand, this fleece is full of character. Click to view staple photo | Cotswold ewe | 6 lbs | 2016 RESERVED EN 2017 Available |
| Bethany |  | Bethany has an even medium grey coloring with just a hint of espresso brown. This fleece has a finer crimp and moderate luster and is oh-so-soft to the touch—lovely! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 5.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED KC 2017 Available |
| Branwenn |  | Year after year, I love Branwenn’s fleece! She has a medium grey fleece accented with areas of charcoal and light grey. Her fleece is very lustrous and long—it’s just striking once again! Click to view staple photo | Cotswold ewe | 6.25 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JR 2017 Available |
| Bridget |  | Bridget has a wide range of colors in her fleece, with equal amounts of silver grey, medium grey, and just a few hints of charcoal. This fleece is lustrous and has a long staple length—a gorgeous Cotswold! Click to view staple photo | Cotswold ewe | 7 lbs | 2016 RESERVED AP 2017 RESERVED CS |
| Carmen |  | Carmen's fleece is dark grey with areas of smoky grey and contrasting tips. It's moderately lustrous with a medium to loose crimp. She has a nice, full hand that is a bit springy. This is a beautiful fleece! Click to view staple photo | Romney-touch of Suffolk-Columbia ewe | 6.5 lbs | 2016 Available 2017 Available |
| Chloe |  | Chloe has a beautiful charcoal color with silver fibers throughout. Medium crimp and luster with a lovely long staple. Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 5.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JR 2017 Available |
| Cocoa |  | Cocoa is a personal favorite. She is a classic old-style Romney. Her dark variegated fleece has shades from medium grey to black with silver fibers running throughout. Rich coloring and lovely! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 5.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JC 2017 Available |
| Cody |  | Lamb fleece shown. Cody has a wonderfully variegated fleece that ranges from medium to darker grey. With a medium crimp and a buttery handle, this fleece is yummy! Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale wether | 4.25 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JR 2017 RESERVED SG |
| Darlene |  | Darlene's fleece is widely variegated with fairly equal amounts of pale and medium grey. Her soft tones are accented by a few areas of dark grey. She’s moderately lustrous and has a bit of spring from her Montadale background. With finer to medium crimp and with great handle, this is a super soft fleece! Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 6.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED SG 2017 Available |
| Deborah |  | Lovely Deborah has a finer crimp with just a little variegation in her dark to medium grey fleece. Lovely soft and FULL hand with lots of spring! Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 6 lbs | 2016 RESERVED SG 2017 Available |
| Della |  | Della’s fleece is on the favorites list again this year. This lovely fleece is widely variegated, about 80% oatmeal to pale soft grey and about 20% medium dark grey. Medium to loose crimp. Extremely soft—Nice! Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 5.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED SG 2017 RESERVED SH |
| Eliza |  | Eliza is variegated with a mostly medium grey fleece accented by 10% very light grey and 10% very dark charcoal grey areas. She has contrasting oatmeal and caramel tips, a medium luster, and soft hand. I love, love, love this fleece! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED AL 2017 Available |
| Esther |  | Esther has a variegated fleece with shades of light and medium grey. She has wonderful luster, a long Romney staple, and lovey soft hand. Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | TBD | 2016 RESERVED GD 2017 Available |
| Faye |  | Lamb fleece shown. Oooh! This is a soft fleece with warm hues. It is primarily light to medium grey with a few shades of dark grey and oatmeal tips. It is lovely and lustrous with medium crimp. Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 4 lbs | 2016 RESERVED KB 2017 Available |
| Goldie |  | Goldie's warm tones are just yummy! She's variegated from light grey to deep medium grey and with contrasting oatmeal tips. She has a finer crimp with a full hand. Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | TBD | 2016 RESERVED JH 2017 RESERVED SG |
| Gracie |  | Gracie's fleece is variegated with soft dusky tones ranging from soft pale grey to medium grey and a few touches of dark charcoal. She has a wonderful handle that is very soft and lustrous. A gorgeous fleece and a favorite once again! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 5.25 lbs | 2016 RESERVED KB 2017 RESERVED KB |
| Gus |  | Lamb fleece shown. Gus has a slightly variegated fleece in shades of very smokey medium grey. He's got a medium to loose crimp that is soft to the touch. Oooh!Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale wether | 4.25 lbs | RESERVED 2016 GD 2017 Available |
| Harriet |  | Lamb fleece shown. Harriet has an evenly colored dark charcoal fleece with contrasting silver fibers. It is super soft with a well defined lock structure and medium crimp. Oooh! Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 4.5 lbs | 2016 Available 2017 Available |
| Ingrid |  | The majority of this variegated fleece is medium grey with silver fibers and about 15% dark grey. Lovely and lustrous, Ingrid's fleece is finely crimped, soft, full. She's so pretty!Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 5.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED KC 2017 Available |
| Layla |  | Layla is widely variegated with an even distribution of almost white and medium greys. She's got some dark charcoal areas with caramel tips--there's a lot of variety! She has a medium crimp and is moderately lustrous. Nice! Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 5.75 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JR 2017 Available |
| Lord Byron |  | Byron has a consistent medium crimp. He is slightly variegated with light, medium and dark shades of smoky grey contrasted with oatmeal tips. His fleece is lustrous and has a lively full hand! Click to view staple photo | Romney ram | 12.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JR 2017 Available |
| Maggie |  | Maggie's beautiful fleece is a striking smoky medium grey and caramel at the tip. She has an even medium crimp with a nice long Romney staple. Lovely! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 5.25 lbs | 2016 RESERVED KC 2017 Available |
| Morgan |  | Lamb fleece shown. This widely variegated fleece is lively. Primarily medium grey it is accented with 10% light grey-almost white and 20% charcoal grey and has a variety of caramel and oatmeal tips. She has a loose crimp and long staple thanks to her Cotswold breeding. The colors are striking!Click to view staple photo | Cotswold-Romney ewe | 5.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JR 2017 Available |
| Nici |  | This little gal has a great variegated fleece. Its primarily a medium grey color, but she also has very dark and light grey almost white areas. Loose crimp and moderate luster. Wow! Click to view staple photo | Cotswold ewe | 5.25 lbs | 2016 RESERVED KR 2017 Available |
| Olivia |  | She has a medium crimp with moderate luster and a nice full hand. Her WIDELY variegated fleece ranges from medium to dark grey with oatmeal tips. This fun fleece is on my favorites list once again! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED KR 2017 Available |
| Paula |  | Paula is very pretty with a real mmm fleece with a great handle. Her color is primarily soft pale grey to almost white and has shades of medium grey. It is lustrous with medium crimp and very soft. It's just gorgeous and makes me want to dive in! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 5.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED SG 2017 RESERVED KB |
| Phoebe |  | This very dark charcoal fleece has silver fibers evenly mixed throughout and has contrasting mahogany tips. The soft hand of her medium crimp is amazing! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 4 lbs | 2016 RESERVED KR 2017 Available |
| Prince George | | Georgie's fleece is AMAZING. He has very lustrous and silky locks that really pop. The coloring is rich variegated shades of medium and dark grey, with loose crimp. Oh my! Staple photo available in 2016. | Romney ram | TBD | 2016 RESERVED JH 2017 RESERVED SG |
| Riley | | Riley has a variegated fleece ranging from light to dark grey and she has shades of taupe in her coloring. Oooh! Soft and airy handle that is luxurious. Staple photo available. | Romney ewe | 5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED KR 2017 RESERVED SG |
| Sarina |  | This widely variegated fleece is dazzling. Half of her fleece is silver grey to almost white and 25% is medium grey and 25% is dark grey. She has a lovely loose crimp and a lot of luster! Click to view staple photo | Cotswold ewe | 3.25 lbs | 2016 RESERVED SG 2017 Available |
| Tink |  | Tink's variegated fleece has both medium and dark grey in equal proportions and a few areas of light grey. Her crimp is fine with medium luster locks that are lovely and full. Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 6.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED KR 2017 Available |
| Valerie |  | Valerie a variegated fleece that is equal part medium grey and dark gray. She has silver fibers mixed through out giving a smoky look to her locks. With long staples that are soft to the touch, this fleece is warm and yummy! Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale-touch of Suffolk-Columbia ewe | 4 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JR 2017 Available |
| Wendy |  | Wendy's variegated fleece ranges from practically white to medium grey. It has a distinct fine to medium crimp with a lovely and light handle. Oooh! Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 4 lbs | 2016 RESERVED SG 2017 Available |
| Whitney |  | Lamb fleece shown. Whitney has a medium to dark grey fleece with honey colored tips. She has a lovely loose crimp and a lot of luster that typical for her Cotswold background. This is such a pretty fleece and one that I would love to try over dyeing with a color. Click to view staple photo | Cotswold-Romney ewe | 3 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JR 2017 Available |
White Fleeces for Sale
| Sheep Name | 2015 Fleece Photo click to enlarge | Description | Breed | Weight | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alice |  | Alice has a creamy white fleece with lots of luster. She has good lock structure with medium crimp, and her soft fleece is ooh la la again this year. Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 6.5 lbs | 2016 Available 2017 Available |
| Amelia |  | A crisp white fleece with medium crimp. Lots of luster with a soft sheen. The hand is both silky and soft--just lovely! Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 7 lbs | 2016 RESERVED SG 2017 Avaialble |
| Bonnie |  | A favorite again this year. Soft and lustrous with medium crimp. New style Romney with very distinct lock structure. Very pretty! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 6.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED 2017 Available |
| Gigi |  | Gorgeous fleece! Medium crimp with long and distinct lustrous locks. Nice! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JR 2017 Available |
| Josephine |  | Wow! This is an ivory white fleece with a long staple and medium crimp. It is lustrous and SO soft. Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 5.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED KR 2017 Avaialble |
Leah This lustrous beauty shines--what a fleece! She has a relaxed and even crimp. She’s creamy white and classic Romney. Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 5.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JR |
2017 Available | |
| Lily |  | Creamy white with a nice fine to medium crimp. This fleece is lustrous and lovely! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 5.75 lbs | 2016 RESERVED SG 2017 Available |
| Liam | | Oooh! Silky, lustrous, and creamy white! Liam's fleece has a loose crimp and long locks and is a beautiful example of old-style Romney. Staple photo available in 2016. | Romney ram | TBD | 2016 RESERVED EN 2017 Available |
| Nellie |  | This beauty has a gorgeous, lofty hand. Her ivory white locks have a loose crimp, lots of luster, and are incredibly soft. I love this fleece! Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 7 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JR 2017 Available |
| Nissa |  | Nissa's fleece is beautiful! She has medium crimp that’s moderately lustrous--very soft with a long staple. It has a slight spring to it. Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale-Suffolk-Columbia ewe | 7.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED SG 2017 Available |
| Opal |  | Lamb fleece shown, Opal has a medium amount of luster with long locks and a finer crimp. Her fleece is softer than you'd expect from a Romney thanks to her Montadale background. Very nice! Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 4 lbs | 2016 RESERVED KR 2017 Available |
| Patsy |  | Classic Romney. This beautiful white fleece has a long staple with very distinct locks. It is super lustrous with a really soft and silky hand. Medium to loose crimp. A wonderful fleece! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 6 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JC 2017 Available |
| Pixie |  | Lamb fleece shown. With wonderfully long locks that really reflect light, this fleece is eye-catching! Pixie has a loose crimp and a beautiful hand that is just a touch softer than your average Cotswold. Click to view staple photo | Cotswold-Romney ewe | 7.5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED JR 2017 Available |
| Princess |  | Princess has a gorgeous fleece that just springs to life in your hand. She has fine to medium crimp and nice luster. This is a really nice fleece. Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 3.25 lbs | 2016 SOLD 2017 Available |
| Samantha |  | This ivory white fleece has a well-defined medium crimp. She has a long staple and a nice luster—beautiful! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 3.25 lbs | 2016 RESERVED KR 2017 Available |
| Sweet Pea |  | This cutie has a creamy white fleece with medium crimp, and her long staples are lustrous. The full hand on this little gal makes me say, "WOW!" Click to view staple photo | Romney-Montadale ewe | 5 lbs | 2016 RESERVED LB 2017 RESERVED SG |
| Sydney |  | Lamb fleece shown. Sydney's creamy fleece is lovely! She has medium to loose crimp, great luster, and a smooth hand. Love! Click to view staple photo | Romney ewe | 3 lbs | 2016 RESERVED SG 2017 Available |
Lamb Fleeces for Sale
We have just a few glorious lamb fleeces available for 2016. This is the first year’s wool growth of a sheep, and our lamb fleeces are always incredibly soft and yummy!
| Sheep Name | Photo Available after shearing 2016 | Description | Breed | Weight | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolyn Natural Colored |  | More details to come. | Romney ewe | TBD | 2016 RESERVED SG 2017 Available |
| Lucy Natural Colored | | More details to come | Romney-Cotswold ewe | TBD | 2016 SOLD 2017 Available |
| Maisie Natural Colored | | More details to come. | Romney ewe | TBD | 2016 RESERVED SG 2017 Available |
| Piper Natural Colored | | More details to come. | Romney ewe | TBD | 2016 SOLD 2017 Available |
| Zoe Natural Colored | | More details to come. | Romney ewe | TBD | 2016 SOLD 2017 Available |
Bargain Fleeces for Sale $17/lb
This year these beautiful, sound fleeces didn’t measure up to my standards for cleanliness and presentation. Typically they have a little too much VM or dirt for my liking, but they are still gorgeous, healthy fleeces. They are offered for a discounted price of $17/lb. You can save some money if you hurry and buy these lovelies!
| Sheep Name | 2015 Fleece Photo click to enlarge | Description | Breed | Weight | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry! | There are no bargain fleeces available at this time. Check back after fleeces have been evaluated for the 2016 season, late March 2016. |