Shetland sheep produce lovely wool. Shetland wool is soft, durable, and warm, and the finest of any wool produced by a British breed. Fleece type can vary from sheep to sheep-- from a well-developed crimp (sometimes described as 'kindly' or soft) to a wavy, sturdy fiber with a silky hand ('beaver' or double-coated). Staple length can also vary, but is typically four to five inches. The wool comes in a variety of colors. There are 11 official colors and 30 markings--some very rare. White is the most common Shetland fleece color (and often the finest). The other colors are black, shaela (dark steely grey), emsket (dusky bluish grey), grey, light grey, dark brown, moorit (shades between fawn and dark reddish brown), mioget (light moorit, yellowish brown), musket (light greyish brown), and fawn. Shetland wool has traditionally been used for fine knitting yarns-- think wedding ring shawls. Usually the wool around the neck area is chosen for this finest of yarns.The Shetland Islands are also famous for their Fair Isle garments as well.