Why Breed Specific?
We produce small batches of breed specific yarn that highlights the unique qualities and colour of individual fibre animals. This helps to protect rare breeds of sheep, and supports businesses by making processing accessible to small-scale fibre farmers.
Why Breed Specific
In April 2023 my first book Sheep, Shepherd & Land was released. It is my love letter to the Canadian wool industry - sharing the story of farmers raising breed-specific flocks across the country and doing innovate things with wool and land management.
I wanted to encourage more exploration of the sheep breeds we raise in Canada and how to use their beautiful wool.
I encourage you to dive deep into sheep breeds and see how it can transform your fibre arts practice and connect you to local farms and mills!
There are more than 200 domestic sheep breeds - yet the market is flooded with Merino! When we seek out Breed Specific Wool a few things happen:
1) If we learn about the different breeds, we are more likely to seek out their wool - this actually protects sheep diversity and prevents the loss of heritage sheep breeds. Shetland sheep (pictured) was considered endangered in the 1970's but has made a strong comeback thanks to small farms.
2) Not all wool is the same, this photo represents 5 different breeds of white wool. Each has different characteristics that make it better suited for different projects. Did you know that crimp is directly related to how insulating that particular wool is? Which one of these breeds will work best for your cozy sweater?
3) All wool fibre is covered in thousands of microscopic scales. These scales affect how they look and how they feel and how much insulation it provides. The more you learn about breed specific yarn, the better informed your choices are for each individual project.
4) When you seek out and purchase breed specific yarn, you support small farms and small mills. Having a deeper connection with the source of your fibre helps build a flourishing fibreshed. The need for resilient local supply chains become more obvious as the global wool industry has been halted by recent events.
Learn More About Sheep Breeds in Canada
Take a Class
Take our Breed Specific knitting class online and dive deep into our local sheep breeds.
Breed of the Month Subscription
A year long exploration of breed specific yarn or fibre that is grown in small flocks in Canada
Read More
Read Sheep, Shepherd & Land about common Canadian Sheep Breeds. You can find this book in your local library or buy it here.
Knit Patterns with Breed Specific Wool
We created an e-book companion to Sheep Shepherd & Land highlighting Canadian knitting designers and breed specific wool.
Breed Specific Products
The most recent offering in our Breed Specific Lineup is the very useful and informative Project Journal. This practical journal has a dozen breed pages looking at common sheep breeds in Canada, 9 blank breed pages for your own breed exploration and two dozen blank pages for your own projects and discovery!
5.5 x 8.5 inch
80 pages
Coil bound
Featuring breed drawing by Amanda Fyfe
This journal ships as oversized lettermail within Canada. We have wholesale options available for schools, 4H clubs, and yarn stores. Please contact info@longwayhomestead.com for details on wholesale.
Breed Specific at Long Way Homestead
In April 2023 my first book Sheep, Shepherd & Land was released. It is my love letter to the Canadian wool industry - sharing the story of farmers raising breed-specific flocks across the country and doing innovate things with wool and land management.
I wanted to encourage more exploration of the sheep breeds we raise in Canada and how to use their beautiful wool. I worked with Amanda Fyfe to illustrate the breeds I explored in my book and now I’m excited to share these with you.
I encourage you to dive deep into sheep breeds and see how it can transform your fibre arts practice and connect you to local farms and mills!
Breed Specific Poster - Featuring breed drawing by Amanda Fyfe
This poster is black ink on white linen paper
Size 16” x 20”
Ships in a cardboard envelope by Canada Post.
Breed Specific at Long Way Homestead
In April 2023 my first book Sheep, Shepherd & Land was released. It is my love letter to the Canadian wool industry - sharing the story of farmers raising breed-specific flocks across the country and doing innovate things with wool and land management.
I wanted to encourage more exploration of the sheep breeds we raise in Canada and how to use their beautiful wool. I worked with Amanda Fyfe to illustrate the breeds I explored in my book and now I’m excited to share these with you.
I encourage you to dive deep into sheep breeds and see how it can transform your fibre arts practice and connect you to local farms and mills!
The Sheep Breed tote bag features sheep breed illustrations by Amanda Fyfe @theborealmaker on cotton canvas tote bags.
100% 12 oz cotton
23" web canvas handles
10" handle drop
20"W x 15"H x 5"D
Bags are shipped via Canada post - they are shipped oversized lettermail or flat-rate boxed.
Breed Specific at Long Way Homestead
In April 2023 my first book Sheep, Shepherd & Land was released. It is my love letter to the Canadian wool industry - sharing the story of farmers raising breed-specific flocks across the country and doing innovate things with wool and land management.
I wanted to encourage more exploration of the sheep breeds we raise in Canada and how to use their beautiful wool. I worked with Amanda Fyfe to illustrate the breeds I explored in my book and now I’m excited to share these with you.
I encourage you to dive deep into sheep breeds and see how it can transform your fibre arts practice and connect you to local farms and mills!
Sheep Breeds
Get our FREE Canadian Sheep Breed Card
We have a FREE cheat sheet on the common sheep breeds found in Canada. This downloadable card will give you breed standard information when selecting fleece to purchase - a great resource for anyone wanting to work specifically with breed specific wool in Canada.
You can also purchase a 5x7 LAMINATED version of this card - find it in our store here.