Rare breed(registered RBST)
Staple:
15-20cm
Micron: 28-38/extremely
broad range
The Whitefaced Woodland originated in the Pennines on the
borders of Derbyshire and Yorkshire, from the blackfaced Linton type of
mountain sheep with Cheviot and Merino also used in the breed’s development. Also
known as Penistone after the town that has held a sheep fair since 1699, Whitefaced
Woodland used to be two distinct groups: the Woodland were leggy, rangy sheep
and the Penistone were stockier. In time the two groups amalgamated and formed
the one breed.
The Whitefaced Woodland is one of the largest of British
hill breeds. Both sexes are horned. The
wool is white and finer than that of many other hill breeds, attributed to the
addition of Merino blood in the 18th century. The breed is very
hardy and able to thrive on poor quality grazing and harsh terrain. This and
the fact they are primarily raised for meat would contribute to the widely
varying micron range for hand spinners. The fiber is valued for its ability to
take up dyes. [1]A
ewe's first shearing usually gives the finest of fleeces.
My Spinning Experience: Deborah Robson reports in the Fleece and
Fiber Sourcebook pp.311-312 greatly varying samples. My sample from
Woolforbrains gave me a soft-medium soft spun yarn. It was a very enjoyable
spin and given the chance with a larger amount, it would be worth the
recommendation from whitefacedwoodland.co.uk to blend or ply with mohair or
silk.
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