Ramblers Way Farm Re-Imagines Wool

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Ramblers Way Farm. All opinions are 100% mine.

The American wool industry has been in decline for decades, a trend attributed to the rise of synthetic materials and cheap overseas labor. Ramblers Way Farm, however, aims to prove that wool clothing isn't all about scratchy long johns. The company crafts thin, luxurious garments and strives to produce them in a way that benefits both the environment and local communities.

Ramblers Way is Tom and Kate Chappell's second business venture. They first pioneered natural personal care products in the 1970s and made Tom's of Maine a household name. After selling a majority of Tom's of Maine to Colgate-Palmolive in 2006, the Chappells decided to keep their next venture small and personable, operated from their farm in Kennebunk, Maine. 

It starts with the sheep. The Chappells aim to surpass wool industry standards in the care of their flock. According to the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources (BANR), sound flock health management practices are key to disease prevention and BANR recommends a holistic approach that includes safe housing, smaller flock numbers and regular veterinarian check-ups. Not only is humane treatment better for the animals, it results in better quality clothing. Filthy conditions, ill health and a poor diet lead to weak fibers and low yield in wool.

Choosing a breed suited to the local climate also reduces disease and maintenance costs. The Chappells raise Rambouillet, which are prized for their hardiness, fine wool and natural mothering skills. Because the breed has a strong flocking instinct, the animals band together and discourage predators from picking them off one by one. To further discourage predation and also allow for daily inspection, the ewes on Ramblers Way Farm are brought indoors each night. Tom Chappel acknowledges that as the flock grows, the barn will be unable to accommodate the entire flock, but the sheep will be brought to a central corral each night. Frequent inspections can identify any disease, injury or parasitic infestation before it becomes a problem.

In a way, domesticated sheep are freaks of nature. Because the breeds no longer naturally molt, they depend on humans to shear their dense coats and keep them cool in hot weather, as well as discourage flies from laying eggs in their skin. Sheep are generally sheared in the late winter or early spring months. Once shorn, the fleece is rolled and tied, collected, cleaned, dyed, combed and spun into yarn. Because Ramblers Way uses a chemical-free treatment and skips the dye process, the clothing retains a natural blond color. The farm also works to keep the wool clean from start to finish. Wool clips stuck with burrs and other matter require extra processing, resulting in weaker fibers and, in addition, contaminated wastewater that must be treated to meet environmental regulations. Many of the farm's sheep wear specially-made jackets for this reason.

From overgrazing to driving out native wildlife, sheep flocks can be ecologically harmful. New Zealand sheep contribute to a large portion of the country's methane emissions simply by digesting their food. Ramblers Way Farm is working with environmental organization Clean Air-Cool Planet to address their carbon impact. According to their website, CA-CP is examining the entire production process, from sheep grazing in the fields to the spinning, knitting and distribution of clothing, to identify areas where the farm can improve. Currently Ramblers Way treats its land organically, uses bio-fuels in its vehicles and renewable solar, wind and geothermal energy wherever possible.

"Limiting our carbon emissions is a major commitment from our company, which begins in the earliest stages of our production," writes Tom Chappell on the farm's blog. "Keeping wool clean while it is on our sheep helps to limit the need for extensive washing and cleaning of wool once it enters the manufacturing stage. You may have noticed the jackets worn by some of our sheep, designed to keep them clean on the farm. We buy wool that is largely free of grease and vegetable matter—all in an effort to reduce the carbon emissions of cleaning our wool down the line."

By limiting all farming and production to the United States, the Chappells hope to stimulate local economies and counter the trend of imported wool. They have formed partnerships with ranches in Montana, Texas and New Mexico that also hold high standards for ecological conservation and the humane treatment of livestock. In addition, Ramblers Way donates a portion of its profits to charity. In December 2009, the farm donated 5,000 garments to the unemployed in Kennebunk.

As for the final product, Ramblers Way wool feels nothing like a heavy, scratchy sweater. The lightweight fabric is smooth and breathable. Made in a variety of styles from boy shorts to camisoles to long johns, the clothing can be worn throughout the year, wicking away sweat in hot weather and insulating your body in cold weather. A pair of women's hipster briefs go for $40 and men's long johns go for $95, but the high quality fabric can withstand years of abuse and make the high price worth it in the long run.

Because the wool is naturally resistant to odors and wrinkles, these garments can be worn for a week or two without laundering and save you quite a few quarters. The wool is also treated with a chemical-free enzyme that makes the fabric machine-washable in cold water. A cold water wash avoids the toxins used in dry cleaning and can further lighten your utility bill.

Ramblers Way Farm is well poised to breathe new life into the American wool industry. Imported wool, while cheap, carries the cost of underpaid workers and weak environmental standards. In boasting ethically grown and finely spun garments, Ramblers Way encourages everyone to re-imagine wool. Visit the website for more information and feel the difference for yourself.