Heritage Type Fleeces

Cotswold Fleeces

Cotswolds are known for their heavy, lustrous, wavy locks. The curls can offer texture or can be smoothed over, as the long fibres need little twist to be held together. Cotswold is a good choice for a novelty yarn, can be spun from locks, picked, flicked or combed and spun. Takes dyes well and the luster enhances the results. Cotswold wool can be used in lock form; for weaving rugs; for hard wearing items such as outer garments; or can be spun fine to make a lace. Cotswold is also a willing felter. – Paraphrased from The Field Guide to Fleece by Deborah Robson & Carol Ekarius.

Bella

6 – 8″ staple. Wide, wavy crimp. Lustrous. Minimal VM (most of the back taken out), lots of grease. Some cotting on the sides – does pull apart by hand. 7lb 0oz $45

Cotswold Cross Fleeces

Ella (50% Cotswold x 25% BFL x 25% Lincoln)

7 – 9″ staple. Large, loose, wavy crimp. Lustrous. Moderately soft for a strong/course type wool. Even and sound. Fairly greasy and yellow but should scour out. Minimal VM (some of the back taken out). Cotting on sides is fairly extensive (pictured), but will pull apart by hand. 6lb 12oz $40

Gigi (BFL x Lincoln x Cotswold)

6 – 7 1/2″ staple. Wide, open crimp. Lusterous. Fairly greasy. A few large pieces of VM. Locks are coiled in some places. 4lb 9oz $35

Kary (50% Cotswold x 25% BFL x 25% Lincoln) ⭐ Sold ⭐

6 – 7 1/2″ staple (some on edges is 4 1/2″). Wide, wavy, well defined crimp. Has luster and drape. Very light grey (2/3) to very dark grey. Some grease. 5lb 0oz $55

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Other Rare and Wonderful Breeds

Lake (50% Herdwick 50% Clun Forest)

3 1/2 – 5 1/2″ staple. Not well defined, wide crimp. Variable in colour and length throughout the fleece. Mostly light grey, some darker. Some longer, heritage type areas. A fair amount of dandruff, possibly some scurf (pictured). This is a rare fleece for Canada, which is why it is still being offered for sale despite the issues. 3lb 14oz $25

Beamer (Black Welsh Mountain Ram)

1 1/2 – 2 1/4″ staple. Wide, even, not well defined crimp. Fairly course. Very black, except tips which are very dark brown. Some grease and strong ram smell. 2lb 2oz $40