Behind the Scenes: A Custom Sheepskin Garment from Start to Finish

Sheepskin is one of the hottest trends this winter, and with the sheer number of people sporting shearling these days – be it real or faux – it may begin to seem like sheepskin garments are a dime a dozen. But what you probably don’t know is how much work and attention to detail actually goes into those authentic sheepskin slippers that you step into each morning, or that custom shearling coat that keeps you warm even on the most frigid winter days. At The Sheepherder, all of our sheepskin garments are handmade to order by a real person in an actual shop in Alma, Colorado, not a big-box retailer, and to appreciate the quality of the finished product, it helps to know the process.

Step 1: The skins we use for our sheepskin garments at The Sheepherder come from domestic sheep raised commercially for their meat in the western part of the United States, mostly in the Rocky Mountain region. The sheep, elk and deer that we use for our products are not an endangered species, and the hides are simply a valuable by-product of the animals.

Step 2: Before they come to us, the skins are sent to a tannery in the United States to be processed, an intricate system that involves 100 or so steps and takes a total of 21 days. The result is the soft, supple sheepskin that we use in our products, which naturally wicks away moisture from the body and keeps you cool even in the warmest weather.

Step 3: Once they are processed, the hides are ready to become one-of-a-kind sheepskin garments, which is where Diane Blessing comes in. Diane has been creating custom sheepskin apparel for more than 30 years, and her attention to detail is impeccable. When you place an order on The Sheepherder website or in the shop, your custom sheepskin garment is handmade by Diane herself, based on your specific measurements and style preferences.

Step 4: Unlike synthetic or imitation sheepskin, the genuine shearling we use at The Sheepherder is one continuous hide, which means the wool interior is a part of the skin itself, not a separate lining sewn or glued onto the hide. The softest and supplest skins we save for the sleeves and collars of our jackets, to ensure the highest level of comfort and flexibility.

Step 5: Once the hide is prepared by Diane and ready to become a jacket, a hat or a pair of slippers, the sheepskin garment is sewn together with tough nylon thread, and all of the seams are double-stitched for durability, so, with the right care, your shearling item will last for years to come.

Step 6: Finally, the buttons we use in our sheepskin coats and other garments are handmade from antlers that are naturally shed by deer and elk each year, which means that each set of buttons is truly one-of-a-kind and unique to your item.

Order Your Own Custom Sheepskin Garment Today

The next time you see a genuine sheepskin jacket, think about all the steps that go into making such an impressive product from start to finish – authentic hide, natural antler buttons and all – and you won’t be able to resist getting one for yourself. Place your order on The Sheepherder website today, and within weeks, you’ll have a custom shearling garment to call your own!

Brave the Freezing Temps During NFL Playoffs with Custom Sheepskin Gear!

Tom Brady covered the December 2015 issue of GQ magazine, and the football icon was dashing as ever in his luxurious sheepskin jacket, complete with a huge shawl collar and oversized pockets – perfect for those mammoth football hands of his. GQ’s Tom Brady issue was published just before the first round of the NFL playoffs, which started on January 9, and will lead up to Superbowl 50, airing on February 7, and GQ probably didn’t realize at the time how fitting it was to outfit Tom Brady in sheepskin for the cover shoot. Let’s just say the Seahawks and Vikings players probably would have killed for a sheepskin jacket during their playoff game on January 10, which set records for the below-zero temperatures players and fans were forced to endure.

According to reports, the Seahawks-Vikings playoff game in Minneapolis on January 10, was the coldest game in Vikings history, and the third-coldest game in the entire history of the NFL, with temperatures dropping to -6 degrees at the stadium, and a -25-degree wind chill making matters much, much worse. It was so cold, in fact, that beer was freezing in mid-air and photographers were using sideline heaters to warm up their camera batteries. SO cold, that the Vikings’ famous gjallahorn, which the team uses before each game to announce the players’ arrival on the field, actually shattered. In an effort to combat the freezing temperatures, the Seahawks and Vikings players were outfitted with cold-weather gear specifically designed for athletes performing in frigid conditions, but the fans weren’t so lucky.

The next round of playoffs on January 16 and 17 will see battles between the Chiefs and the Patriots in Boston, the Packers and the Cardinals in Phoenix, the Seahawks and the Panthers in Charlotte, and the Steelers and the Broncos in Denver. Not all of the NFL playoff games will be as bone-chillingly cold as the Seahawks-Vikings game of course, but those played in colder locales are sure to be chilly, and most fans don’t have access to that special cold-weather gear the athletes get. That’s where sheepskin comes in! Designed with a durable suede exterior that blocks those bitter winds, and a natural wool interior that retains your body heat and keeps you warm even in the coldest temperatures, our sheepskin coats and gloves are the perfect complement to your game-day gear.

Known by many as the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady has also earned a reputation as a fashion icon, and the fact that he covered GQ in such a beautiful sheepskin coat will likely have fans (male and female alike) running to their computers to order their own, whether they plan to attend an NFL playoff game or not. The Sheepherder has wide selection of fine sheepskin apparel for sale, including handmade shearling gloves, cozy sheepskin slippers, genuine sheepskin jackets for men, women and children, and more. Get your own pair of custom shearling gloves or a handcrafted sheepskin coat today, and you’ll be warm as ever during the NFL playoff games!

Top 5 Best Sheepskin Stocking Stuffers for Christmas

It’s hard enough finding the perfect Christmas gift for friends and family members, and it can be even harder to find a small, inexpensive gift to wrap as a stocking stuffer for the husband, wife or kids. Lucky for you, we have quite a few affordable shearling accessories made from authentic sheepskin that will make great stocking stuffers this Christmas. Order your sheepskin stocking stuffers today to ensure delivery in time for the holidays!

Shearling iPhone/Eyeglass Case

A sheepskin iPhone case is the perfect stocking stuffer for a teen who can’t take her eyes off her smartphone, and with a soft shearling inside, you can rest assured that the expensive device will be protected from damage. The outside of our handmade shearling iPhone cases is a durable suede that will last for years and makes it easier than ever to find in her purse or car. Plus, in a pinch, the iPhone case can pull double duty as a sheepskin eyeglass case!

Sheepskin Steering Wheel Cover

There’s nothing worse than getting into a freezing car in the winter and having to grab onto an ice-cold steering wheel. That’s where our handmade sheepskin steering wheel covers come in. Made from 100% shearling, our steering wheel covers are attractive, comfortable and luxuriously warm, and they make the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone in the family.

Sheepskin Seat Belt Cover

Have two family members who share a car? Gift one a sheepskin steering wheel cover and the other an authentic shearling seat belt cover, so they can both ride in style. Our custom seat belt covers are made using the same luxurious material as sheepskin car seat covers, and measure 8” to 10” long, for comfortable protection across your neck and chest. They also feature a convenient Velcro closure for easy on and off.

Kids Shearling Mittens

Score some brownie points this Christmas when you stuff your child’s stocking with a pair of genuine sheepskin mittens, made in a variety of colors, including pink, grey, black and tan, to match his or her personal style. Our handcrafted shearling mittens are made using authentic sheepskin, with a durable suede outside and warm wool inside, and feature a D-ring clip to easily attach the mittens to your child’s winter coat.

Ladies Sheepskin Earband

Not everyone likes to wear hats in the winter, and our handmade sheepskin earband for women is a warm and stylish accessory that will go great with any outfit, while keeping her exceptionally warm, even in the coldest weather. The genuine shearling earband is warm and comfortable, featuring a soft elastic back for a perfect fit, and its affordable price makes it the perfect stocking stuffer for the lady in your life!

Boost Your Winter-Weather Look With These Five Sheepskin Accessories

Some people would argue that it’s easier to be fashionable in warmer weather, when the temperature doesn’t dictate as much what you can get away with wearing, but who’s to say that your winter wardrobe can’t be just as stylish as your spring, summer or fall attire, if not more so? The fall and winter seasons are all about layering looks and creating unique and stylish outfits with warm, chic outerwear and sophisticated accessories. This winter, you can upgrade your cold-weather look and enliven your stalwart pieces, while staying super warm and cozy, with these genuine sheepskin accessories that are both comfortable and on-trend.

Unisex Shearling Aviator Hat – There’s nothing warmer than a genuine sheepskin hat, and our classic shearling bomber hat for men and women is no exception. The handmade shearling aviator hat comes in a variety of colors to match your own personal style, and the Velcro detail on the shearling strap gives you the option of folding the ear flaps up or down, for extra protection against the elements.

Sheepskin Mittens for Men and Women – Mittens aren’t just for kids these days. A pair of genuine sheepskin mittens will keep your hands nice and toasty, even in the coldest weather, thanks to your own body heat warming up the sheepskin inner and the outer suede blocking those bone-chilling winds. Our custom shearling mittens for women and men feature attractive wool-out seams and a D-ring detail so you can clip them to your outerwear.

Ladies Sheepskin Earband – If you’re not one to don a hat even in the coldest weather, try our authentic shearling earband on for size. The custom sheepskin earband features a soft elastic back for a snug and comfortable fit, and can fit right in your pocket when you’re not wearing it. Our ladies earband is handmade using genuine sheepskin, and boasts a warm and attractive natural hide with cozy wool-out edges.

Shearling Diplomat Hat for Men – Drawing inspiration from the most frigid Russian winters, our men’s sheepskin diplomat hat is a classic look for any gentleman’s cold-weather wardrobe. The custom shearling hat for men features a thick, genuine sheepskin brim for added warmth and style, as well as a natural hide that beats pretty much any other wintertime material in terms of luxury and durability.

Sheepskin Driving Gloves – Nothing says like warmth and style like a pair of well-fitting driving gloves, and these sheepskin beauties are the perfect accessory for any winter-weather outfit. Our authentic sheepskin gloves feature a natural hide outer and soft wool inner that will protect your hands from the coldest weather this winter can throw at you!

As we head into the winter season – sure to be a cold one if last winter was any indication – you’ve probably already pulled out your favorite sheepskin boots from storage, only to find that they are a little grimy…er, well-worn. Lucky for you, genuine sheepskin will last a lifetime if you care for it properly, and the same is true for our Minnetonka shearling boots, which feature a soft suede upper and a sheepskin and wool blend lining. Sheepskin is a natural, durable material that can easily withstand the elements, which is why shearling boots are so popular for winter wear. Care for them the right way, and you can enjoy the same pair of sheepskin boots for years to come!

For those of you who own a pair of authentic sheepskin boots, you know that they are so incredibly warm and comfortable, you’d be hard pressed to trade them in for anything else during the winter, especially when the temperatures drop and it feels like the chill is reaching right through to your bones. Unfortunately, that also means that your sheepskin boots see a lot of wear during the winter, when the mix of snow, dirt, gravel and salt leaves a layer of grime on your shoes that seems impenetrable. Not so!

With the right sheepskin care and cleaning tips, you can transform your well-worn shearling boots from soiled and grubby to clean and pristine, and make them look great and last as long as you need them to. We recommend two products when cleaning or caring for sheepskin, and protecting the natural material from future damage – a rain and stain shield made for suede or leather for the outside and a mild detergent to clean the wool on the inside. If you’ve noticed that your sheepskin boots have become dirty, soiled or water-spotted, a suede conditioner or cleaner should do the trick.

To clean your sheepskin boots, hand blot the area with a rag, mild detergent (or your everyday hair shampoo) and cold water, being careful not to soak through to the suede. Then carefully rinse and hand blot the excess moisture using a clean, dry towel, and let the boots air dry. Brush the wool when it is nearly dry to fluff it back up. If your sheepskin boots are exceptionally soiled, your best bet might be to take them to a dry cleaner that specializes in leather and/or furs. Also, if your shearling boots ever become significantly wet, it’s best to let them dry slowly over time, without placing them in direct heat, which can damage the sheepskin.

One of the most important things to remember about sheepskin, is that you should try to clean the spot or stain as soon as it occurs, rather than letting it set over time. So, at the end of this winter, when you get ready to pack away your shearling boots in favor of flip-flops, remember to treat any grime or stains right away, so when you pull them back out next winter, your shearling boots are good as new!

Forget puffy coats and bomber jackets; when it gets really cold, all you really need is good old-fashioned sheepskin. Not only is genuine sheepskin a heavy hitter in the warmth department, it is also on track to be one of the most popular trends for winter 2015-2016, both on the runway and off. From the statement shearling capes featured in Burberry Prorsum’s Fall 2015 Ready-to-Wear collection, to the classic sheepskin jacket that can be found in nearly every fashion-forward celebrity’s fall/winter wardrobe, you can’t go wrong with an attractive shearling coat that checks all the boxes for warmth, comfort, durability and style this fall and winter.

Handcrafted Shearling Coats for Men and Women

We can all agree that sheepskin is one of the warmest materials out there, which makes it the obvious choice for your go-to winter coat. The only bad news about sheepskin is, the natural material can put a serious dent in your wallet if you’re not careful; we’re talking in the thousands of dollars. Lucky for you though, The Sheepherder offers a wide selection of shearling coats for men and women that offer the perfect style for your budget. The following are our top picks for the best sheepskin jackets for fall and winter 2015-2016:

Ladies Rancher Sheepskin Coat – This is one of our favorite sheepskin coats for women. The attractive wool-out seams and the Western styling in the front and back yokes make this jacket a great option for your fall and winter wardrobe. And with three-inch rolled cuffs, a notched collar and patch pockets, you won’t find a more beautiful shearling winter coat at this price point.

Men’s Cattleman Sheepskin Coat – When it comes to the best shearling coat for the guys, our Men’s Cattleman Sheepskin Jacket is our top pick. This authentic sheepskin coat features a wide shawl collar and three-inch rolled cuffs for extra warmth, as well as genuine antler buttons for an attractive and masculine look.

Columbine Shearling Coat for Women – If you’re looking for a shorter sheepskin coat with a feminine silhouette, try our warm and elegant Ladies Columbine Sheepskin Coat. The jacket features attractive princess seams on the front and back, with wool-out trim down the front of the coat and around the bottom, as well as a cozy notched collar and three-inch rolled cuffs that will keep you warm even in the chilliest weather.

Classic Sheepskin Jacket for Men – The name of this men’s shearling coat says it all. For a traditional, masculine look around the ranch or out on the town, check out our Men’s Classic Sheepskin Coat, featuring oversized pockets and a leather-trimmed collar and cuffs. This is one of our most popular sheepskin jackets, and is perfect for any outfit – dressy or casual.

Ladies Classic Shearling Coat – For a more traditional look on the ladies’ end, our Classic Sheepskin Jacket for Women is a great winter coat for any occasion, made with a shawl collar, three-inch rolled cuffs, and oversized pockets that are guaranteed to keep your hands toasty warm all winter long.

Kick-Start Your Christmas Shopping With a Handmade Sheepskin Product

If you’ve caught a glimpse of those countdowns to the holidays, you know that there are only ten more weekends until Christmas, which means now is the perfect time to kick-start your Christmas shopping! And if you’re like us, you’ve got at least one or two people on your shopping list who deserve a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift, so go ahead and check out our wide selection of fine sheepskin outerwear and accessories for women, men and children. You’ll find handcrafted sheepskin slippers, cozy shearling jackets, stylish items for the home, and more, all custom made to order at the Sheepherder shop in downtown Alma, Colorado.

Unique Handcrafted Shearling Gifts

As it gets closer to the holidays, the pressure is on to get your shopping done in time, for all of your friends and family members, and it can sometimes be really difficult to find that perfect gift for Mom, Dad, the kids, or the Secret Santa gift exchange at work. From beautiful custom shearling jackets to toasty sheepskin slippers and unique accessories like genuine shearling steering wheel covers, seat belt covers and iPhone cases, The Sheepherder offers a wide variety of handcrafted sheepskin products that make excellent holiday gifts and affordable stocking stuffers, so you can do all your Christmas shopping in one place.

Genuine Sheepskin Slippers and Coats

Unlike chain stores and big-box retailers, all of our shearling garments and accessories at The Sheepherder are manufactured 100% in the USA, and all of our customers receive true, genuine sheepskin products custom made to order, according to their specifications for fit, style and color. Looking for a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift for dear old Dad? Check out our Men’s Rancher Sheepskin Coat, a beautiful, rugged and durable handmade jacket featuring attractive wool-out seams, patched pockets and roll cuffs for a distinctive Western-style look. For that lucky lady in your life, consider our Ladies Scuff Sheepskin Slippers, made to last with a warm, luxurious shearling inside and a wear-resistant cowhide sole.

Attractive, Durable Sheepskin Products

If it’s smaller stocking stuffers you’re looking for (which can sometimes be just as hard to find as regular holiday gifts, we know) browse our selection of unique sheepskin toys, car accessories and home goods that will put a smile on anyone’s face. And keep in mind that all of our sheepskin garments, accessories and home goods are made by hand at the Sheepherder shop in the Rocky Mountain region of Western Colorado, using only the highest quality skins from domestic sheep raised commercially for their meat. For Christmas this year, give your loved ones the gift of sheepskin, and they’ll be thanking you for years to come!

It’s easy to see sheepskin slippers and boots as a fashion staple made strictly for women, but the truth is, the cozy footwear is just as wearable for men (like New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady) who are looking for easy slip-on shoes they can step into at the end of a long day. Plenty of men out there already recognize the undeniable comfort of authentic shearling footwear, and even A-list male celebrities like Bruce Willis, Tom Brady and Ben Affleck sport cozy and warm sheepskin slippers and boots on occasion.

Our handcrafted sheepskin slippers and boots at The Sheepherder are made to last, using the natural wool and hide of domestic sheep raised in the Rocky Mountain region, and the shoes are also warm enough to keep your toes toasty warm throughout the fall and winter. Imagine waking up on a chilly morning and stepping into a pair of luxurious sheepskin slippers, or coming home at the end of a winter day to cozy up by the fire in shearling slippers handmade to fit your exact measurements. As the UK news website Metro so eloquently puts it, wearing genuine shearling slippers is like “slipping your feet into a bear’s armpit,” and what man wouldn’t want that??

From traditional sheepskin slippers to scuff shearling slippers, The Sheepherder offers a wide variety of one-of-a-kind shearling slippers for men that are handmade to order by Diane Blessing, in her shop in beautiful downtown Alma, Colorado. Diane has been creating handmade genuine shearling slippers and other sheepskin garments since 1989, and each and every item she crafts is made using the highest-quality materials, and with impeccable attention to detail. Check out The Sheepherder’s Scuff Sheepskin Slipper for men for easy-on, easy-off wear on a daily basis, or the Men’s Traditional Shearling Slipper for a warm and cozy fit that offers coverage for both your feet and ankles.

In addition to custom shearling slippers handcrafted by Diane herself, The Sheepherder also offers a wide selection of authentic Minnetonka sheepskin footwear for men on our website. Head on over to our official Minnetonka section and choose from the shearling Ankle Hi Pug Boot, Olympia Boot, Men’s Ankle Boot, Men’s Hardsole Slippers, Men’s Softsole Slippers or Men’s Twin Gore Slippers, all from Minnetonka’s sheepskin footwear collection, and all featuring durable, attractive suede on the outside and luxurious, warm wool on the inside.

If there’s one type of footwear that is guaranteed to keep you warm on chilly mornings and evenings throughout the fall and winter seasons, it’s genuine shearling slippers or boots. Order your own pair of handmade men’s sheepskin slippers today and see what it’s like to “slip your feet into a bear’s armpit!”

It’s easy to see sheepskin slippers and boots as a fashion staple made strictly for women, but the truth is, the cozy footwear is just as wearable for men (like New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady) who are looking for easy slip-on shoes they can step into at the end of a long day. Plenty of men out there already recognize the undeniable comfort of authentic shearling footwear, and even A-list male celebrities like Bruce Willis, Tom Brady and Ben Affleck sport cozy and warm sheepskin slippers and boots on occasion.

Our handcrafted sheepskin slippers and boots at The Sheepherder are made to last, using the natural wool and hide of domestic sheep raised in the Rocky Mountain region, and the shoes are also warm enough to keep your toes toasty warm throughout the fall and winter. Imagine waking up on a chilly morning and stepping into a pair of luxurious sheepskin slippers, or coming home at the end of a winter day to cozy up by the fire in shearling slippers handmade to fit your exact measurements. As the UK news website Metro so eloquently puts it, wearing genuine shearling slippers is like “slipping your feet into a bear’s armpit,” and what man wouldn’t want that??

From traditional sheepskin slippers to scuff shearling slippers, The Sheepherder offers a wide variety of one-of-a-kind shearling slippers for men that are handmade to order by Diane Blessing, in her shop in beautiful downtown Alma, Colorado. Diane has been creating handmade genuine shearling slippers and other sheepskin garments since 1989, and each and every item she crafts is made using the highest-quality materials, and with impeccable attention to detail. Check out The Sheepherder’s Scuff Sheepskin Slipper for men for easy-on, easy-off wear on a daily basis, or the Men’s Traditional Shearling Slipper for a warm and cozy fit that offers coverage for both your feet and ankles.

In addition to custom shearling slippers handcrafted by Diane herself, The Sheepherder also offers a wide selection of authentic Minnetonka sheepskin footwear for men on our website. Head on over to our official Minnetonka section and choose from the shearling Ankle Hi Pug Boot, Olympia Boot, Men’s Ankle Boot, Men’s Hardsole Slippers, Men’s Softsole Slippers or Men’s Twin Gore Slippers, all from Minnetonka’s sheepskin footwear collection, and all featuring durable, attractive suede on the outside and luxurious, warm wool on the inside.

If there’s one type of footwear that is guaranteed to keep you warm on chilly mornings and evenings throughout the fall and winter seasons, it’s genuine shearling slippers or boots. Order your own pair of handmade men’s sheepskin slippers today and see what it’s like to “slip your feet into a bear’s armpit!”

Get Ready for Fall With Beautiful, Handcrafted Sheepskin Garments

Believe it or not, the dog days of summer have come to an end, and fall is officially right around the corner, which means it’s time to pack away your flip flops, high-waisted shorts and crop tops and break out the cute suede booties, skinny jeans, flannel shirts and sheepskin outerwear for cooler weather. We don’t know about you, but fall is one of our most favorite times of the year, probably because it offers such a great opportunity to show off personal style. And with a new handcrafted shearling coat or vest hanging in your closet, you’re guaranteed to love the fall weather too!

Add Shearling to Your Fall Wardrobe

We all wish that we had that effortless style some of our most favorite celebrities evoke on a daily basis (usually with the help of a full-on styling crew), and with a well-made authentic shearling garment on hand, you’ll be well on your way to fall fashionista. Pair a genuine sheepskin vest with a cute button down shirt and skinny jeans or leggings, for example, and you have a super cute daytime outfit that will even keep you toasty warm when the temperature drops in the evening. When fall turns into the dead of winter though, you’ll definitely want a cozy shearling coat to block the wind and keep you nice and snug.

Sheepskin Items Made in the USA

Here at The Sheepherder, we only use genuine sheepskin hides that come from domestic sheep raised commercially for their meat in the western United States, and the process of turning these raw hides into the soft, luxurious sheepskin we use for our products takes a total of 21 days and more than 100 intricate steps. The end product is a beautiful shearling garment that is extremely durable and naturally wicks away moisture from the body, keeping you nice and warm in the fall and winter and cool during the warmer summer months. That means the shearling vest you treat yourself to this fall will still work nicely in the spring and summer months!

Genuine Shearling Garments Handmade to Order

In addition to custom-tailored shearling jackets, The Sheepherder also has several different styles of genuine sheepskin slippers, which are perfect for those cool fall nights when the weather is still nice enough to eat dinner and entertain outside. Take our word for it though, once you slip into a pair of custom shearling slippers, you won’t want to take them off, and remember, all of our sheepskin jackets, slippers and accessories at The Sheepherder are handmade to order based on your specific measurements and specifications, which means your shearling garment will be a perfect fit every time!