Each year we try to cover our best fleeces ; but the first few months after shearing we leave them off. The darker fleeces will have "sunkissed" tips and the whites will have darker tips. Coats help to keep out the excess vegetable matter & burrs sheep love to get into. It also makes for easier processing.
NOTE: We do have many fleeces that have not been covered and will have a lower price per pound.
Although professionally sheared, we unfortunately had a different shearer this year and have experienced many 2nd cuts- which has been devastating. So our prices will reflect this.
An average ewe fleece tends to weigh anywhere from 6 to 10 pounds and will have a medium skirting. Merinos are notorious for being a greasier fleece, especially the rams. Therefore you can lose up to 50 percent of the weight after washing.
The lock length of our Merinos can be anywhere from 2 1/2 inches up to 4 1/2 inches. The average will be in the 3 1/2 inch range. The micron count also varies with each fleece.
Merino as you know is the finest of the wool breeds. The crimp, the zig-zags in the fiber, are what give the wool its
resiliency to bounce back into its original shape.
Whether you want to buy one pound, or an entire fleece it is up to you. If you are not familiar with washing a fleece, I can include directions if requested.
Although it takes time and effort to clean and spin the wool; when you have finished you will have an heirloom piece that you can be proud of.
Merino does costs abit more to purchase. This is because the number of mills in the U.S., which can devote the extra time, attention and have the required machinery to handle the fineness of the raw wool are smaller. This requires it to be shipped across several state lines. Plus additional washing because of natural heavier grease content of the breed and additional processing steps all add up. So, when you make your choice consider not just the lowest price, but choose between good and best. Excellence is a result of many factors including: 1) high quality animals 2) practices of good nutrition and preventative care 3)sheep coats for cleaner fleeces 4) consistency 5) not cutting corners.
Why not give it a try today? You won't be disappointed!
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