These fibers come from Great Britain.

Originating on the Shetland Islands over 1,000 years ago, Shetland sheep are now found throughout Great Britain, the United States and other countries. The Shetland sheep is especially prized for its wool, which is soft, fine and strong.

Shetland was historically a dual-coated, primitive breed. However, many shetland flocks are now single coated due to a selection process focused on more standardized characteristics. Shetland sheep come in the largest number of natural colors, with eleven colors and thirty color patterns recognized in the breed.

Shetlands have prospered in Great Britain to the extent that they are no longer considered endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. However, there is concern about the loss of genetic diversity within the breed, as most Shetlands in Great Britain are now white and some of the other natural colors are becoming rare.

American Livestock Breeds Conservancy Listing: Recovering. Rare Breeds Survival Trust: no longer endangered. For more information, please see: http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/shetland.html