|
|
Do you know where your wool comes from? We do! From sheep like these adorable Border Leicesters from the farm of Judy & Liam English in Cornwall, Vermont... Two years ago we had the first shearing from Theodosia (Dosie), Percy, Ally & Josephine (Josie) as lambs and soon we will have the fleece from their lambs. The Border Leicester is a longwool breed producing a lustrous fiber ranging from 6 to 12 inches in length. The fleece from a mature female can weigh anywhere from 8 to 12 pounds. They are not a small sheep as the mature ram can weigh from 225 to 325 pounds and the ewe from 175 to 275 pounds. The females make wonderful mothers, often producing twins and triplets. Originating in England, the breed is almost 300 years old. it is not known when the first Border Leicester was brought to this country (George Washington raised English Leicesters) but a 1920 census shows some 767 purebred Border Leicesters here in the US at that time. Because of its luster, silky hand and long staple this fiber is a favorite among handspinners! It makes a great sweater and sock yarn! The length and strength of the fiber means your hand knit socks will never wear out!!! We have found that the fiber also makes beautiful and durable felt. (Click thumbnail to view photo)
|
|
|
 |
 |
