Fibers and breeds

Our products are comprised of various fibers, and the list continues to grow. Some products are breed-specific, meaning that the product includes fibers from a single breed. Other products are a mix of fibers, combed or carded together to combine the unique properties of each. Here, we’ll describe what we think the best qualities of these fibers are, to help you choose from available options.

Merino wool: Merino is likely to be the wool breed that most people know by name. It’s next-to-the-skin soft, so it’s great for articles that are worn next to the softer areas of your skin. Some items made from superwash merino can also be lightly laundered, making this fiber a possible choice for baby items. (There are a couple of processes for superwash, and the result of both is that the scales in the wool no longer create irritation.) Merino can be very fine, which can make it a bit difficult to spin, and it can sometimes mat with too much handling.

Polwarth wool: Polwarth is an Australian breed that includes merino in its bloodlines. Its fiber is next-to-the-skin soft,at 22 – 25 microns. This fiber is more forgiving to the new spinner–easier to spin because of its slightly larger micron size, while still delivering a soft, luxurious yarn.

Targhee sheep. photo: Wikimedia Commons

Targhee wool: Targhee is a breed developed in Idaho in the late 1920s. It’s a cross consisting of Rambouillet, Lincoln, and Corriedale, bred for fine wool qualities (22 – 25 micron). It’s another breed that is next-to-skin soft, yet easy to spin both worsted and woolen, and takes dye quite beautifully.