[Jacob-list] fleece

[MarmontJacobs at aol.com]

> I agree that Jacobs are not double coated, in the US or GB - but here the 
breed standard is for shorter staple than in the US. Tricia help me here 
please - is it more like about 4 inches?<

Acceptable staple length anything from 3-7 inches and with a "good degree of 
springiness", although in lambs judges seem to prefer it the longer the 
better, and who knows in fleece and wool-on-the-hoof classes - each Board 
seems to have different preferences and I still haven't fathomed it out! 
However, Jacob wool grades as either Selected (Fine) with a Bradford Count of 
54 - 58 Micron Count 25 - 27.5, or Jacob with a  Bradford Count 46 - 52 
Micron Count 30 - 33.  Average fleece weight 4 - 6 Ibs although I'm not sure 
which bits that includes! Some like lustre and crimp, some don't, but it 
often seems to be the overall density of the fibres that matters. The 
handspinners that buy from me certainly seem to prefer a more open fleece and 
longer staple, and one or two have been spinning over 40 years...