Fleece Weights – 8-12 pounds (3.75-5.5 kg)
Staple Length – 4”-8” (10-20 cm)
Fibre Diameter – 29-37 microns
Natural Colours – White, black, gray, silver, brown
The East Fresian breed is common on Southern Vancouver
Island. While being one of the dairy breeds of sheep, they have lovely
fleeces. The fleeces are somewhat
variable. While some fleeces may be fine
enough to use for outer clothing, most might be best used for blankets, rugs,
pillows etc.
Fleece Weights – 9-13 pounds (4-6 kg)
Staple Length – 3”-6” (8-15 cm)
Fibre Diameter – 26-37 microns
Natural Colours – White, Black
Shetland
Shetlands are not very common on Vancouver Island and
surrounding areas. They have a wide
range of colours and fiber diameters.
Some can be fairly coarse while others are quite fine. Fine to medium fleeces will make lovely
sweaters.
Fleece Weights – 2-5 pounds (1-2.25 kg)
Staple Length – 2”-10” (5-25 cm)
Fibre Diameter – 20-30 microns
Natural Colours – Whites, creams, tans, browns, grays, and
black
The Blueface Leicester fleeces are highly prized by fibre
enthusiasts and we have a few lovely flocks on Vancouver Island. The fleeces have long lustrous locks. The wool can be used in a wide variety of end
products.
Fleece Weights – 2.25-4.5 pounds (1-2 kg)
Staple Length – 3”-6” (8-15 cm)
Fibre Diameter – 24-28 microns
Natural Colours – Mostly white, occasional grey or black
Cotswold
The Cotswold is not terribly common on Vancouver Island and
surrounding area. The fleeces are
usually coarse with a well defined curly lock.
It is a great choice for novelty yarns or other items which want great
texture.
Fleece Weights – 9-20 pounds (4-9 kg)
Staple Length – 7”-15” (18-38 cm)
Fibre Diameter – 33-42 microns
Natural Colours – White, grey, black
Texel
The locks are springy and have good crimp.
Fleece Weights – 7-12 pounds (3.25-5.5 kg)
Staple Length – 3”-6” (18-38 cm)
Fibre Diameter – 26-36 microns
Natural Colour – White