What Can Be Made from Sheep’s Wool?
+meet Bebe, our sweetest, softest sheep
At Heddle & Hide, our sheep are more than just part of the process—they’re family. This month, we’re excited to spotlight BeBe, the sweetest sheep in our flock. Known for her gentle demeanor and luxurious fleece, BeBe plays a special role in our farm-to-closet creations.
meet bebe
BeBe is a Romney sheep, a breed prized for its strong, versatile wool. She’s a true sweetheart who loves nothing more than a quiet morning grazing in the pasture, or a nap next to her bff, Pancake. She was born here on the farm and has always been a character- strong, (should we say stubborn?), but always gentle.
Her fleece is the longest and silkiest of the flock, making it perfect for spinning into the yarn that forms the foundation of our handwoven bags. She’s also the biggest ewe in the flock- we estimate she weighs about 200 lbs!
BeBe is one of the friendliest sheep in the flock so naturally all of the other sheep love her, but she’s also made friends with the farm dog, Ridley!
Each spring, BeBe and her flock mates are gently sheared—a process that keeps them cool for the warmer months and provides us with the high-quality wool that inspires our designs.
what is made from sheep’s wool?
Sheep’s wool is an incredibly versatile material with countless uses. At Heddle & Hide, we turn our flock’s wool into our signature handwoven bags, but Beyond our own workshop, wool is used worldwide.
Natural Textiles: Wool is not just soft and warm—it’s also breathable, water-resistant, and biodegradable, making it a sustainable choice for all kinds of products. to create items such as:
- Apparel and home decor like cozy sweaters, blankets, socks and pillows
- Sturdy Rugs
- insulation for homes
- The oil in the wool- Lanolin is also used for skincare!
How Much Wool Does a Sheep Produce?
The amount of wool a sheep produces depends on its breed and care. Our Romney sheep, like BeBe, produce about 7-10 pounds of useable wool each year—enough to create approximately one large blanket or about 3 sweaters. While this might not sound like a lot, the quality of the wool makes all the difference. Each strand is long, and strong, perfect for hand-spinning and weaving into our heirloom-quality pieces.
how is wool turned into fabric?
BeBe’s wool, like the rest of our flock’s, goes through a meticulous and sustainable transformation. The process begins with shearing, where the fleece is carefully removed in one piece. Afterward, the wool is cleaned in a process called scouring, which removes natural oils (like lanolin), dirt, and debris while preserving the fibers’ softness and integrity.
Once clean, the wool is carded, where the fibers are entangled and aligned into soft, fluffy strips called batts. These are then spun into yarn using a spinning wheel or on an industrial scale with a machine called a spinning frame, twisting the fibers together to create strength and durability.
The yarn can then be woven or knitted into fabric. For woven textiles, the yarn is stretched into a warp and weft pattern on a loom, interlacing strands to create sturdy, versatile material. Knitted fabrics, on the other hand, are made by looping the yarn, creating stretchier textiles often used in clothing.
At Heddle & Hide, our wool is naturally dyed before being woven into beautiful, one-of-a-kind textiles. The dyeing process uses plants and flowers grown on our farm, infusing the wool with unique colors and patterns inspired by nature.
Next time you touch one of our handwoven bags, you’ll know it started with sheep like BeBe, who are loved and cared for every step of the way.
The final result is a fabric that not only tells a story of sustainability and care but also celebrates the connection between the land and the finished product.
Want to see BeBe’s wool in action? Check out our handwoven collection:
the signature tote in black check
the crossbody in houndstooth
The perfect blend of sustainability and style. Compact yet spacious, with a fully lined interior and zippered pocket for secure storage of your essentials.
the signature tote in houndstooth
This timeless classic is the perfect size for your daily essentials.