When we talk about contemporary sheep, we may say that they are “improved.” That usually means that they share a variety of characteristics: They have only one coat, which is the same all over the fleece. Their fleece grows consistently, without a break. They’re probably white, the kind of white that sucks up dye and develops brilliant color . . . and if they’re not white, they’re at least consistent in color. A lot of them have just one job, which they do very well, though some are “dual purpose”--both meat and fiber. Sounds great, right? Who doesn’t want a new and improved sheep? This is all very good if you buy wool by the bale, spin it by the bump, and weave it by the bolt, but if you buy just one or two fleeces a year, it can be pretty limiting. The very traits that make a primitive breed fleece a poor choice for industrial use make them perfect for a handspinner.
(Move over, dogs. Primitive sheep may be man’s true best friend.)
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