r ransom wrote:Beautiful fleece
It's not a breed I've worked with, but from the photos, it reminds me of the older (pre-down) sheeep. The main quality these breeds had over the sheep that come later is that one sheep can have all the types of wool.
The wool around the neck would be for clothing that touches the skin. Sides would be good for outerwear. Legs might have long guard hairs (like coarse human hair) that can be separated for rug warp and the remaining wool be good for rig weft.
It's often sorted before washing.
Or, be like me and blend them together and see what happens.
But it's difficult to tell from a photo. I could be wrong.
It could be duel coated.
Does your local library have The Fleece and Fibre Sourcebook? That helps show the different styles of wool sheep can make.
Thank you R, this helps heaps!! I obviously didn't sort the fleeces before washing, but now I know what to look for in the future.
And to understand why there seems to be so many different kinds of wool in one batch.
Ouessant is a 'primitive' breed. For me it means they gnaw on fruit trees like goats would. Most primitive sheep shed their wool naturally, these don't but there's a distinctive difference between the outer coat and the inner, fuzzy under wool.
For the second time in a row, I'll be spinning it all together (except the felty-fleece, it refuses to be spun).
The local library is small and French, but I'll add that book to my wish list.
Thanks again!
