Fun, Flattering and Fabulous Fleece Clothing & Accessories for Everyday!

Wolfe Fleece was founded in 1998 by Deve Wolfe in the remote, rugged town of Joseph, Oregon (pop. 1,000). Deve returned to her native Wallowa County, where her family has run a century old cattle ranch for five generations, as a young woman recently out of college and mostly out of money. Working as a waitress at the local pizza joint, Deve faced a holiday season with little budget for gift buying. She decided to use what money she had to buy fabric and sew fleece socks for friends and family.

The friends and family raved about the socks and they told everyone; soon Deve was taking sock orders right along side pizza orders. Her clientele grew quickly, with increasing demand for socks, and requests for mittens, hats and other accessories.

In January, 1998, Deve opened her first ‘store’, a corner counter she rented from a larger store, on Joseph’s Main Street. She immediately outgrew that, and moved into another, larger shared space with another retailer. As Deve’s business steadily grew, she decided to open her own store.

In July, 2006, Deve will expand her business for the fifth time, moving into larger facilities at the south end of Joseph’s Main Street Art Walk. With the snowcapped Wallowa Mountains surrounding the little town 70 miles from the nearest McDonalds or WalMart, Wolfe Fleece celebrates the rugged, pioneer spirit that built the West, and that is still alive and thriving in Joseph.

Behind the independent, pioneer spirit at Wolfe Fleece is a team of dedicated seamstresses who cut and sew for Deve, and who are responsible for making the clothing and accessories sold in the store and on the website.

This team of seamstresses is made up of mostly stay-at-home moms, who value their family time but want to contribute to the family income. Deve gives them this wonderful opportunity to balance work and family life, which allows them to work from home during the hours that fit best with their individual schedules. During crazy-busy times, like when a visiting fire crew from the Forest Service wanted 20 fleece hats ASAP, the team meets up to get the job done, and celebrates after with pizza and wine. With Deve, it isn’t about making each garment for dirt cheap by using a third party source; it’s about providing economic opportunity in an area known for economic hardships, and helping local women find ways to work and raise kids without making major sacrifices. And isn’t balancing work, family and a personal life what quality of life is all about?

Deve Wolfe values hard work, creativity, and the independent business spirit that helped her carve a life for herself and provide economic opportunity for eight local women who are able to contribute to their family’s income without sacrificing quality of family or personal life. Wolfe Fleece represents the best of the small, independent business, that uniquely American spirit that drives us to carve something out of nothing and then share it with others.

"As a life long outdoor enthusiast I am very particular about the functionality of equipment. Your mittens are the most comfortable and efficient for cold weather cross country skiing that I have ever worn. Beautifully made and handsome too."

David Bagnard, Boise Id

"My mom gave me your star bunting for our 3 1/2 month old baby. She loves it and so do I! It is so soft and comfortable and warm! Thanks for making such wonderful products!"