About Lambskins

There are a number of lambskin or sheepskin brands on the market, so what is the difference between them all? 

The phrase "you get what you pay for" is truly relevant here. Skins come from a number of regions including Europe, South America, Australia and NZ. There are many different quality grades and many different breeds and also a number of ways to tan the skins and not all methods are for safe use with babies. Some skins come from lambs where the fibres are soft and fluffy and some from older sheep, which can be more wiry and rougher. Often the generic term "sheepskin" is used for both versions. It can be a little complicated!

At Gabe & Grace we ensure the following: that the skins we use are from "first" top grade Australian Merino lambs and tanned without any harsh chemicals. There is no higher grade or specification. There are also currently same source skins out there under different brand names, something to be watchful for. 

With lambskins being such a "touchy-feely" product, the main differences between Gabe & Grace lambskins and other skins on the market is that Gabe & Grace lambskins are incredibly thicker and softer with a deeper, denser pile. The picture above is a side view showing the deep soft pile of the Gabe & Grace skin above and below it, the more curly, wiry appearance and rougher texture of another brand. We only allow top grade "first" skins through our doors and not the cheaper versions. They are certified for baby use and will last many years when cared for following the instructions below.

Another difference we make very clear in our descriptions is where a product is made from a full skin and therefore our delux premium product and where a product is made from pieces of our luxury lambskin. This clarity is very often not the case with other suppliers. Where a product is made from pieces in the trade it is referred to as patchwork. The simplest way to check if a product is patchwork is to look on the reverse where the stitching will either be revealed or will be covered by a cotton backing. A full skin will be pure leather.

Unlike other brands currently available, at Gabe & Grace we ensure that our patchwork products are made from premium matching pieces and stitched so that the wool fibres are flowing in the same direction and the colour is uniform. This gives the liner for instance, the impression it is one piece and maintains the softness and depth of our premium product, whilst offering a great price. 

At Gabe & Grace we are confident that we have the exact specification for babies when we source our lambskin products. Generally, decorative skins / breeds are not suitable for babies to sleep on or lie unless they have been through the correct processes for hygiene. The wool is generally left natural and not trimmed which is not suitable for very young babies. They are also tanned differently where formaldehyde and chrome may have been used. 

Our tip: Always look out for baby safe tanning, good quality and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions 

WHY HAVE PRICES SUDDENLY GONE UP SO MUCH?

Lambskins or sheepskins come from nature and supply is finite (unlike a piece of clothing that can be continually mass produced in a textile factory). As the trend for lambskins has increased and as they have become a part of fashionable clothing and footwear, the same supply has to reach further with large manufacturers buying up huge stocks. Result 2011: demand outstrips supply and the commodity becomes more valuable. 

Our promises: we will continue to get the best quality at the best price and we will secure our supply. When our purchases prices come down, so will our selling prices.

We have kept our promise for 2013!

I'VE SEEN SHEEPSKIN PRAM LINERS CHEAPER THAN THIS

Gabe & Grace DELUX lambskin liners are cut from one piece of premium skin and are from lambs! Be wary of the quality of cheaper versions, where they could be a lower grade. Question if they are manufactured from pieces of off cuts, that is, patchwork. We state where a product is patchwork, but have noticed that this is not the case with other suppliers, across the internet.  Question if they are safely tanned without Chrome, Lead, Formaldehyde or other nasties. Ask if they are from lambs or older sheep from Europe or Australia as this will impact on the feel / quality. Cheaper methods of tanning results in a product which would not pass our criteria for passing the necessary testing for being baby safe.