Meet Our Fiber Flock
At Six Dutchess, we raise a small flock of Gotland sheep: a Northern European short-tailed variety that hails from the Swedish island of Gotland. With lineage dating back to the ancient Gutefår sheep of the Viking era, this beautiful Nordic breed was first introduced to the United States in 2003.
Our Flock is AGSs and GSBANA Registered
Currently grazing
Mama Izzy | Lisbeth | Mattina | Madde | Pia | Brother Per
Sheep are beneficial in so many ways. In their gentle, calming wanderings, they fertilize the soil and help redistribute carbon back to the land through rotational grazing practices.
Though this multi-purpose breed is traditionally raised for both meat and fiber, our flock is used exclusively for fiber production and soil restoration. They spend their whole natural life on our farm, as valued farm partners.
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Learn about Gotland Sheep & Wool
Sheep provide humans with one of nature’s greatest natural fibers—wool.
Wool is classified as an “eco-textile” because it is environmentally friendly, sustainable, 100% recyclable and biodegradable. It is also incredibly versatile, not to mention blissfully warm and cozy. And for the sheep, their wool is completely renewable, just like human hair. Shearing is essentially a sheep haircut.
As conscientious consumers, it is important for you to know where your wool comes from and that it is processed humanely and sustainably, from sheep to skein. That's one of the best parts of buying yarn directly from small farms. You can connect with the animals behind your fiber and know that they are raised with love and care. And happy, healthy sheep make superior yarn!
Read About Our Sustainable & Humane Animal Care Practices
We shear our sheep right on the farm to produce pure Gotland yarn, which is spun at a local fiber mill in the Hudson Valley.
Our yarn is 100% traceable, breed-specific, single-origin, and shorn and spun in New York State. We regularly collaborate with local knitwear designers and educators to develop knitting patterns, classes and workshops ideally suited for the unique qualities of Gotland yarn and the discerning, curious knitter.
Follow Our Collaboration with Sarah Solomon Designs
Check Out Our Fiber Classes
Ways to get involved
Fiber Shop
In addition to their friendly disposition, Gotlands are highly prized for their naturally-colored fine grey fleeces and long silky silver curls. The resulting fiber is renowned for its length, lightness, luster, beautiful drape and signature bloom—all of which make Gotland wool an exceptionally unique fiber to spin, knit with and wear.
