Which breeds are mainly sourced?
We source most of our skins from Australia and New Zealand. The base genetics of the Australian sheep
flock is Merinos that have been raised in large numbers in Australia for the production of fine wool. Most of the skins we purchase are Merino 1st or 2nd cross sheep. These have a mix of Merino and other
breeds that have been introduced to produce meat. The Zealand sheep flock is made up of quite a mixture of breeds designed to produce both wool and meat, with Romney being the pre dominant strain.
Sheepskin tanners source skins by specifying the fineness and style of wool that are needed for the specific varieties of sheepskin products that they produce, rather than specifying particular breeds. How are sheepskins tanned?
Tanning has been practiced for thousands of years. It is a process whereby a skin or hide is immersed
in a variety of substances that bond to the collagen proteins of which the skin is made up. This 'tanned' skin will no longer be subject to decay and is described as leather. With sheepskins, the natural wool
fleece is retained and is permanently fixed to the leather during the tanning process.
Do your sheepskins contain harmful chemicals?
Our sheepskins are regularly tested to ensure that they do not contain harmful chemicals.
What dyes are used to color the sheepskins?
We use a variety of dyeing systems depending on the end use of the sheepskin. None of our dyeing methods use AZO dyes and we are compliant with EU Reach regulations. How durable is my sheepskin?
Our sheepskins will last a lifetime if they are cared for properly and used according to the purpose for which they are produced. Regular vacuuming or shaking will keep your rug free of dust. Unclipped long
wool rugs benefit from brushing with a wire pet brush. Small spills can be sponged off with water. Refer to our
Care & Washing Instructions section for more specific care information. Will my sheepskin rug fade in sunlight?
Like all natural materials, sheepskin rugs will change color if placed in direct sunlight. Sheepskins are difficult to dye and, as with other natural fibers, do not have the degree of color fastness of some
synthetic products. How do I care for my sheepskin?
See the Care & Washing Instructions
section.
Will I have problems with animal rights activists when I am buying your sheepskin products?
It really depends on the position being taken by particular activists. Our sheepskins are produced as a
by-product of meat production and no sheep are killed for the skins. This is quite different from the situation with furs, where animals are farmed for the purpose of producing fur garments. However, some
people object to the use of any animal product, be it for meat, fibers, skins or milk. A sheepskin will not be acceptable to those who hold such views. What is the difference between a sheepskin rug and a lambskin rug?
A lambskin rug is from a sheep that is less than 12 months old and has not developed incisor teeth. The
wool has generally not been shorn by the farmer and still has the original soft wool tip (this is often referred to as baby wool). Sheepskins are from sheep that are older than 12 months and have
developed incisor teeth. The two terms are used interchangeably in common use.
Why are there bare patches without wool on the edge of my sheepskin rug?
These are areas on the skin that naturally do not have wool on them. We reduce these areas when we finally trim our skins, but do not entirely remove them as they are part of what makes each sheepskin a
unique natural product. |
