Big Day! Our new sheep coats arrived. Check it out.

I've been long searching for a well-made, good-fitting sheep suit to replace the some-what tattered sheep covers we've used for years. At this time of year, it's especially important to keep the fleece clean. Hay and bedding straw mess up fleece faster than you can say "VM".

Our "husky" rams and large wethers have been especially tough to outfit. Even the largest of our old coats aren't big enough for our big guys in their super-sized fleeces. After poking around and talking to other sheep-people I found  the website for Rocky Sheep Covers and placed an order. At the risk of sounding like an info-mercial, here's a list of everything I like about them so far:

-They make a coat in lighter weight fabric designed not to abrade fine wool fleece.

– Fit – square chest panel vs. a center seam that smooshes chest wool.

– Darts rather than elastic that gives out after a few washings.

– Sturdy, droop-proof leg straps.

– Range of sizes – love it. No more using ping-pong balls and elastic to compensate for sloppy-fitting sheep coats.

– And colors! What fun. 

***

The sheep seem to like their new threads. Cilantro was very patient while we dithered whether he should wear a size 43 or a 45. Teaberry is a perfect 45, but likely will need a 47 before shearing day.

And Parsley looks rather dapper in silver.

We hung the sizing chart in the milk room so we can figure out what we need for the rest of the flock.  Ouch, pricey – but I see it as an investment in wool futures. When you stop to think that they need at least 3 but really more like 4 different sizes over the course of a year, you get the picture.

Mike is laughing at me. I'm silly excited. You'd think I was the one getting a new wardrobe . . .