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For more than seven years, Sleepy Merino has been far more than a business.
What began as a small side hustle during drought on our family farm near Inverell, NSW, grew into a proudly Australian-made brand, sending Australian made Merino pyjamas and pure Merino sleepwear to customers across Australia and around the world.
Today, I am sharing a very personal update, and taking the opportunity to thank every single person who has supported Sleepy Merino throughout this remarkable journey.
From Drought to Dream
Sleepy Merino was born during one of the toughest droughts our region had experienced.
Like many farming families, we were searching for ways to diversify our income and build resilience for the future. At the same time, I had personally experienced the incredible comfort of sleeping in fine Merino wool and was passionate about sharing its benefits with others.
What started with a simple idea eventually became a thriving farm based business.
Every garment was created with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting Australian manufacturing. Our products were grown on our family farm, and other Australian Responsible Wool Standard farms, manufactured in Australia, and sent directly from the farm to customers' homes.
Over the years, Sleepy Merino evolved from a small regional business into a recognised brand, with customers not only throughout Australia, but increasingly overseas, particularly in the United States.
None of this would have been possible without you.
A Personal Message
After much reflection, I have made the heartbreaking decision to discontinue Sleepy Merino due to ill health.
Since November, I have been living in Newcastle while undergoing treatment for cervical cancer. During this time, I have continued to run the business and oversee the farm from a distance, while my wonderful brother has been caring for our sheep through the current severe drought affecting our region.
Thankfully, the sheep are doing well.
Initially, treatment showed encouraging results, and I remained hopeful that I would be able to continue operating Sleepy Merino. Unfortunately, the cancer has now returned, and I need to focus my energy on my health and family.
This has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life.
Sleepy Merino represents years of hard work, sacrifice, determination, and belief in Australian wool and Australian manufacturing.
Thank You for Supporting Australian Made
Every order placed, every review written, every recommendation shared, and every social media comment has meant the world to me.
By choosing Australian made sleepwear, you have supported:
A regional Australian farming family.
Australian textile manufacturing.
Sustainable, natural fibres.
Small business in rural Australia.
You have also helped prove that there is strong demand for high-quality, ethically produced Merino wool sleepwear.
As consumers increasingly seek transparency, sustainability, and comfort, I remain incredibly proud of what Sleepy Merino achieved.
The Benefits of Pure Merino Sleepwear
Throughout our journey, thousands of customers discovered the unique comfort of pure Merino sleepwear.
Fine Merino wool naturally offers:
Exceptional temperature regulation.
Breathability across all seasons.
Moisture management to wick away heat and perspiration.
Natural odour resistance.
Softness against sensitive skin.
A renewable and biodegradable fibre choice.
Many customers shared stories of improved sleep comfort, particularly during menopause, illness, travel, and changing seasons.
Hearing these stories has been one of the greatest privileges of running Sleepy Merino.
Limited Stock Still Available
While Sleepy Merino is closing, there are still limited quantities of most products available.
However, many popular colours and sizes are already selling out.
If you have been considering purchasing another pair of Merino wool pyjamas, replacing a favourite garment, or stocking up for the future, now may be your final opportunity.
Once our remaining stock has sold, there will be no further production.
Supporting the Australian Wool Industry
Australia produces the world's finest Merino wool, and supporting Australian wool growers remains more important than ever.
By choosing locally grown and manufactured products, consumers help sustain regional communities, family farms, and local jobs while reducing the environmental footprint associated with global supply chains.
Sleepy Merino has always proudly stood for:
Australian farming.
Australian manufacturing.
Natural fibres.
Sustainability.
Better sleep and wellbeing.
Those values remain as important today as ever.
Thank You From Our Family Farm
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Thank you for supporting our family farm through drought and difficult seasons.
Thank you for believing in Australian-made products.
Thank you for helping Sleepy Merino grow beyond anything I could have imagined.
Most importantly, thank you for becoming part of the Sleepy Merino family.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Julie Bird
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sleepy Merino closing?
Sleepy Merino is closing due to founder Julie Bird needing to focus on her health following treatment for cervical cancer.
Is there still stock available?
Yes. Most products remain available, although popular colours and sizes are selling quickly.
Will Sleepy Merino products be restocked?
No. Once current stock sells out, there will be no further production.
Where are Sleepy Merino products made?
All Sleepy Merino products are proudly made in Australia using premium fine Merino wool.
Can I still place an order internationally?
Yes. International shipping remains available while stock lasts. We do not ship to the UK.