Micron: 20-35
Staple: 10-12.5cm
The Zwartbles, meaning black with a white blaze, is a breed of domestic sheep originating in the Friesland region of The Netherlands. Developed from 2 native Dutch
sheep being Friesian Milk sheep and Drenthe, they were often kept alongside
dairy cattle herds. Traditionally used for both milk and meat in the
Netherlands, they declined significantly in use, primarily due to changes in
Dutch dairying practices, until listed as critically rare by the Dutch Rare Breed Survival trust in the
mid-1970s. They were introduced into Britain where they easily adapted in the
1980’s and Ireland some 20 years later, increasing numbers and popularity.
They are a black/brown fleece with white facial blaze, 2 - 4 white socks, and a white tipped, traditionally undocked tail.
They are a relatively large sheep with a dense fleece.
My
spinning Experience. Reflecting back
upon my notes taken at the time I just wrote
Holey moley, is this fiber the sproingiest fiber ever? ♥ Not super soft but a really, really enjoyable spin. The fiber has quite amazing crimp with an intense black natural colour.
Zwartbles will provide you a fabulous spinning experience and resulting yarn
well suited to a very special cardi should you have enough. My princess scale
gives Zwartbles 5 crowns on the spinning experience and 3 for next to skin
soft.
