Meet the Sheep
As spinners, we often think of sheep breeds as broad traits that apply to every sheep within the breed—Merino is soft, Shetland comes in an array of natural colors, and Corriedale is easy to spin. Even though these broad generalizations are often true, each sheep is unique, and shepherds often breed with specific qualities in mind.
A Navajo-Churro ewe and lamb. Photo by Nikyle Begay
Exploring Breed Characteristics
Whether you work from freshly shorn fleece or commercially combed top, each sheep breed has something exciting to offer. Some take dye exceptionally well, while some come in beautiful natural colors that are nearly impossible to replicate with dye. Others make strong and sturdy socks, and some really are softer than a cloud.
As spinners, we love to feel the fibers in our hands, and many of us have embarked on breed studies to help us understand how fiber varies from one breed to the next. We spin and sample and take notes that often even more curiosity. What about the sheep themselves? Where can we meet them? How can we go beyond the books and breed studies to deepen our understanding of one of our favorite materials?
Discover What Makes Each Flock Unique
In our “Meet the Sheep” series, we’ve gone straight to the shepherds to learn about their flocks. Why did they choose that breed? What makes it special? And what are their sheeps’ personalities like—are they playful, peaceful, or affectionate? You’ll find these answers—and more—in the articles below.
Border Leicesters Willa (front) and her brother, Gus, on a cool April morning. Photo by Kate Larson