[Jacob-list] Fleece Types

[Sugar Hill Farm]

Hi all,

I also have sheep that shed wool.  The belly is first and then up the chest into the front of the neck and then around the rest of the head.  Some of the tails shed off first.  Then if they don't get sheared really soon after that, the top of the spine wool starts to come out in tufts.  I have had years that I've sheared much later than I wanted to.  The belly, neck, and tail shedding is helpful, but the spine area really messes up the fleece.

Marcia
Sugar Hill Farm, Heritage Livestock
Jacob & Shetland sheep, American Bashkir Curly horses, Appaloosa horses, Delaware chickens

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jim Spahr 
  To: Jacob List Members 
  Sent: Sunday, July 09, 2000 11:08 AM
  Subject: [Jacob-list] Fleece Types


  I agree with Linda B., that if a crimpy staple is stretched out, fiber length would be similar to the "longer staple".  Fiber with crimp makes a nice elastic yarn.  Since I spin with a short draw, I do not find it necessary to have 6" or 7" fiber to spin, although I like it also.  I tend to prefer a softer handle to my Jacob fleece and also like to blend it with luxury fibers.  
  Laurie, our Jacobs shed their belly wool in the spring, which I believe is a primitive trait.  It makes the job easier for our shearer.  I don't notice our softer-fleeced Jacobs shedding more or felting.  The majority of our fleeces are very open, which makes skirting easier - any vegetable matter shakes out easily.  
  We have a range of fleece types from 4"-7", soft and crimpy, soft and straight, medium handle, and a few of what I call the "primitive fleece types", which have some kemp throughout and more britch wool.  As Linda B. pointed out, I could also knit soft, "next to the skin" sweaters, weave fabric, or make rugs, all from our Jacob flock.  
   
                                                               Mary Spahr
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