Texel and Welsh Mountain Breed Study Update

Texel Fibre Colours: White

Feel in hand: Soft enough that I didnt hate it. Springy and crisp.

Fibre prep: Just spinning it from the braid pulled into strip's and not spinning it too thin.

Smell: Near to no sheep smell more like clean hair.

Fibre uses: Sweaters,  blankets,  cushions, socks

Historical Facts: Origin from the Netherlands. Bred from crossing a native breed with Leicester and Lincoln sheep. Named after the island of Texel. Also bred for high quality meat. 

Next to skin feel: Soft not too itchy near my neck.

Fibre Luster: Low 

Staple length: 3" to 6"

Microns: 26 to 36

Texel spun yarn details:

Spun on my Kromski Sonata - using the whorl size 10 to 1

I plyed from center pull ball 

worsted (9 WPI)

23.4 metrers

Didn't floof up too much when spun

Plying shows a definite pretty twist in the plyed yarn

A pretty creamy white colour with a matte sheen but not overly bright sheen.

If I hold it near my face and neck I feel the slightest prickle feel but its not annoying or itchy.

Would I buy this fibre again.. probably not

Would I knit with it.. Yes but I wouldn't use it for baby knits or for any items like a scarf that touches my neck.

Welsh Mountain Fibre Colours: White 

Feel in hand: Super hairy crisp feel. 

Fibre prep: Strips from the braid but not too thin to keep the itch out when I ply it.

Smell: Pretty similar to the Texel sheep believe it or not!

Fibre uses: Mittens, sweaters, hats, blankets, tapestries, rugs.

Historical Facts: Their meat was served at  Queen Victoria's Royal table. They have a thick double coated fleece. In the middle ages they were kept for their fleece and milk.

Next to skin feel: A little itchy next to my skin lots of Kemp or guard hair. 

Fibre Luster: None

Staple length: 2" to 4"

Microns: 25 to 40

Welsh Mountain spun yarn details:

Spun on my Kromski Sonata - using the whorl size 10 to 1 

I plyed from center pull ball 

worsted (9 WPI)

19.80 metrers

its floofy but its sooooo hairy!! - the 

Plying shows a definite pretty twist in the plyed yarn

A pretty creamy white colour with a hairy matte sheen but not overly bright sheen.

I wont hold it near my face and neck as its so itchy! The yarn guard and kemp hairs are everywhere and now the fibre is spun its definitely a rug yarn only.

Would I buy this fibre again.. No Never!

Would I knit with it.. Nope!.. im probably going to toss it in the bin its that horrible.