Rosedean Ryelands 2017 4-ply Yarn 50g Ball

Our first 4-ply yarn is produced from the fleeces from the 2017 clip of our Coloured Ryeland sheep. It’s a grey, brown colour, flecked with lighter shades of grey, reflecting the range of colours found in a Coloured Ryeland fleece.

Our small flock of pedigree sheep was established in 2007 and is now kept on a 12 acre smallholding in Barry, Angus.

The Ryeland is a very old breed originally from the Hereford area and was developed by the monasteries there to graze the rye pastures – hence the name. The breed fell from favour in the 20th century and by 1974, there were only 980 breeding ewes left – and the breed was recognised as “rare” by the then newly formed Rare Breed Survival Trust. Since then numbers have recovered and the breed is now recognised as “native” rather than “rare”. Coloured Ryelands has experienced a rapid rise in popularity in recent years. The breed is popular with small-scale and new sheepkeepers as it is relatively small, docile and has good feet. The teddybear appearance undoubedly helps too.

Processed by the renowned Natural Fibre Company, this 100% pure, undyed 4-ply yarn is a blend of all of our fleeces from 2017 – Coloured Ryeland fleeces range from dark chocolate brown through mid-browns to silver and light gray. Each ball is 50g / 175m. Hand-wash only.