Gotland is an uncommon breed here in Britain with only around 1500 in the country altogether. They are an old breed of sheep having been developed on the Swedish island of Gotland over 1000 years ago. Fearniewell Croft’s Gotlands have a hint of both Shetland and Charollais genes. Rather than detracting from the Gotland fleece the additional genes really add to the characteristics of their fleece, Gotland is lustrous, drapey and smooth (with the most beautiful crimp) – the Shetland adds some softness and the Charollais (despite being primarily a meat breed) has Bluefaced Leicester in its ancestry and has a fine elastic quality.
This yarn has been beautifully spun by The Border Mill in the Scottish Borders and has a soft handle with slight sheen.