North Ronaldsay sheep are one of the ancient Northern Short-tailed breeds, and their direct ancestors are believed to have lived on islands in the North Atlantic for 5,000 years. These are the sheep known as seaweed-eaters (Shetlands, close relatives, also occasionally do, but North Ronaldsays have adapted fully to the diet). This discussion covers what we can discern about their history, their current living conditions, and their wool.

This is a digital file, available as a PDF for download! It is not a physical item.

Details:
* 8x8" digital publication
* 8 pages
* This document contains a combination of theory and practical knowledge for fiber arts enthusiasts of all skill levels.


About the Guides:
When I finished researching and writing The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook and The Field Guide to Fleece, I knew I had only begun to satisfy my curiosity about the fibers and the animals I had been studying. One of the reasons that I teach the Explore 4 retreats in Washington state is to give myself a framework and deadline for preparing additional research—as well as wonderful people to share it with! And time to play with the fibers.

Although I’ve been working with textiles my entire life and spinning, manipulating, and studying fibers for literally decades, this research gives me the opportunity to discover new depths of information and to dig into, and provide background for, common misconceptions. When I write for magazines, my reference lists are most often either abbreviated or eliminated. The publications I offer here include footnotes and resource lists (which I hope I have formatted so that they support, yet don’t interfere with, my presentation of the intriguing facts that I’ve unearthed).

The handouts are heavily illustrated, because I find photos and diagrams extremely helpful to my understanding.

If you ever find an error (typo or factual), let me know! If it’s an error of fact, please guide me to supporting material. Every statement I’ve made in one of these publications is based on the best sources I’ve been able to find as I worked. I don’t have access to everything I’d like, and there is new information coming out all the time. I also wade into deep waters at the reaches of human research, as well as of my own understanding, with the goal of coming back with intriguing and useful information that will deepen our appreciation of and ability to enjoy and work with our fibers. That means I’m always learning and eager to learn more.

Copyright: It takes a lot of time and significant resources to do this work, and I am self-supporting. Please honor the copyright. I’m fine with you sharing a document with a friend for that person to decide whether it’s useful and interesting, but if it is, then I’d ask you or the friend to purchase a copy for them. If you would like to use print or electronic copies for a group presentation or event or breed promotion, please get in touch about bulk pricing.

ENJOY! The more I know about fibers, the more I appreciate working and playing with them. I hope the same is true for you.