Classic Shetland Yarn
Woolen, not Worsted

Shetland sheep developed in a climate that is rightly characterized as "cold, wet and craggy." As a result, these hardy little fellows came to produce one of the world's warmest and most practical wools, spun from what is called a "two-fiber fleece." In a Shetland fleece, there are long, strong, yet fine, fibers as well as shorter, ultra-soft downy fibers.

It is this combination of fibers that makes Shetland yarn as wonderful as it is: very lightweight, very absorbent, very warm. It is also this fact of two fibers that determines how the yarn is spun. A worsted yarn, by definition can have only one set of fibers, all of which must be aligned and spun so as to guide the fiber inwards, thus giving it a very smooth hand, but losing some of the warmth while gaining significant weight per yardage.

A woolen yarn, on the other hand, allows fibers of all lengths to be spun into a yarn that purposely guides these fibers in all directions, producing a lofty yarn that is lighter and warmer than any other type. This is classic Shetland - it will last for years and offer you a breathable, warm garment you'll seek out on chilly days.