People often ask me what breed of sheep my yarns come from... so I thought I would tell you a little about my favourite fleeces.... not in any particular order...
Romney
Image: NZ Sheepbreeders Assn
Micron: 30-37
Origin: British Isles
First in NZ: 1843
There are about 40 million sheep in NZ and the Romney makes up over half of them.
Corriedale
Corriedale Ram © Graham Meadows Photography
Micron: 24-30
Origin: New Zealand
First in NZ: 1911
Originally bred by crossing Merino & Romney in 1863, in North Otago.
Gotland
Image: Wikipedia
Micron:29-33
Origin: Gotland Island {off the coast of Sweden}
First in NZ: 1980's
They say that the Gotland is the only true coloured sheep because they only come in grey colours, you will not find a white Gotland.
I really enjoy these fleeces because:
- they're readily available
- nice long staple
- easy to spin
- hard wearing
Garments made from these fleeces are best made for outer wear.