Whereas all brands of
gummy bears are not created equal, the same can be said of fleece within a
breed. Even with certain breeds like Cormo and BFL where fleece is very consistent
within the breed, there are also other variables, in particular from shearing
and processing. We all dream of a clean first cut from a coated sheep but may
come across [1]vegetable matter, [2]second cuts, fibers that break easily and chemically
over processing which results in dry, crisp and [3]neps.
As you delve into the different
breeds, you will find a relatively small number available as commercially processed
top and rovings. As you go even further into the more rare and endangered
sheep, you will pretty much take what you can get. I should mention now if
anyone feels so inclined to send me a Saxon Merino fleece, I’ll help you out
and pick up the shipping. Hey, least I can do.
But what really is my
point here or have I lost the plot of this post? What I want to say is, I have
gotten some really shitty samples but don’t want to discount the whole breed
because of 20g. Instead I’ll add it to my try-it-again list but from a
different source if possible. Same goes for a fiber that I absolutely love and
trust me, read on. There will be many. I want to try that breed again, perhaps
in lock if I had spun roving, before I
go committing to a whole fleece…unless the aforementioned Saxon.
Border Leicester
Longwool
Staple: 10-25.5(Half that if shorn 2x
year)
Micron: depending on
country but
ranges 29.25(UK)-40(NZ)
About
Border Leicester Sheep: Are in direct lineage to the 1767 Dishley Leicester (now
extinct).By 1789 there were two distinct types of “Dishley Leicester” evolving
in the English border counties. One flock was being crossed with Teeswater (nicknamed
Bluecaps) and another on the other border, crossed with Cheviot (nicknamed
Redlegs). The Border farmers preferred the hardier redlegs and by about 1850
this variation of the “Dishley Leicester” became known as Border Leicester
My spinning experience:
with slightly less slick fibers than the BFL,
this is an easier manageable spin with slightly less luster. The yarn would
provide lovely stitch definition. Locks (which I spun for my sample) were long
and lustrous, perfect for dyeing or art yarn tail spinning. This was an easy,
enjoyable spin.
[1] Vegetation,
amongst other things caught up in the fleece
[2] Where
the shearer cuts an already cut fiber. If not removed, they can cause pilling
in the resulting yarn/garment
[3] Little
annoying balls that drive you bonkers picking them out of fiber that can be
caused by incorrect carding, second cuts
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