bide a wee farm Sheepskins

Description of terms used:
Dimensions - are approximate and were measured at the longest/widest points.
Lock (Staple) Length - is an average of wool lock measurements taken throughout the pelt.

Washing Instructions for Sheepskins
For Bucks County Sheepskins:
Machine or hand-wash (we strongly suggest hand washing for the sake of your washing machine as well as the hide) in cold or warm water (do not exceed
100 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend the use of Kookaburra or Eucalan� Wool Wash. You can find these products online. Do not use Woolite, laundry detergents or fabric softeners. For Hand Washing: Put the skin in the tub and hold it under the water until the skin is thoroughly saturated with water. Gently churn the skin to get the soap moving around the fibers and let soak for 5-10 minutes then rinse. Gently squeeze out excess water. For Machine Washing: Set to gentle cycle. Once skin is thoroughly soaked, allow machine to churn briefly. The more churning, the more the wool will mat. Let soak 5-10 minutes. Spin cycle briefly to remove excess water. Rinse if necessary. Dry: NEVER tumble dry-this will mat the wool more. Line dry (NOT IN SUN) or dry flat (wool side down) and stretch to shape while damp. Brush (if desired)with soft wire brush when wet, when damp, and when dry. Do not tumble dry-heat will damage sheepskins, resulting is shrinking and hardening of pelt.

For Stern Tanning Sheepskins:
Wash skin in 80 degree water with mild liquid detergent in gentle cycle. Some customers add a teaspoon of olive oil to rinse bath. Spin out excess water. Hang dry in room temperature, indoors. While it is still a little damp, occasionally stretch the hide from side to side to help open up the leather. If the hide is too wet, the stretching will not accomplish anything. When the hide is damp, stretching will open up the leather and the leather will lighten in color and become soft. If the hide becomes too dry prior to stretching, lightly moisten the leather with water, and fold the hide leather to leather. Once the leather becomes damp, stretching can be done.