[Jacob-list] Primitive Characteristics

[dbennet954 at earthlink.net]

On Tuesday, January 8, 2002, at 03:57 PM, stonecroft235 at juno.com wrote:

> Hi Mary:
>
> Just curious - what is the wool product like from your downy type Jacob
> fleeces?
Finer and springy. Usually 25 - 28 micron count. Can be worn next to the 
skin without feeling itchy.  Jacob fleece also felts very well - the 
springier type almost felts too fast (set up has to be perfect).
>  All my Jacobs (and that's not many) are very crimpy - in fact,
> recently when I registered a ram I was told by Ingrid that the fleece 
> was
> within the breed standard but getting close to being too crimpy.  
> Anyway,
> when you spin the downy fleeces, is the yarn very elastic and springy,
> enough for ribbing and socks?
Great for socks, but it will shrink/felt. Around here, Dorset wool is 
considered the best for socks because it is springy, but doesn't felt 
well.
>  Is it soft enough for next to the skin
> clothing like sweaters, or is it more coarse?  I don't think I really
> know what that kind of fleece is like because our Jacobs have definite
> crimp to their fleeces, and my old Fieldwood Anna who was originally 
> from
> Susanna Davies flock, has a very crimpy fleece.  Are downy fleeces more
> desirable for a particular type of utilization, i.e. is it more 
> desirable
> for use in weaving?
I have used both types for spinning/knitting, felting and weaving. I try 
to save the springier wool for light weight sweaters or felt hats (it 
feels softer and can be worn next to the skin). I probably wouldn't use 
springier yarn for warp threads in weaving. I actually prefer spinning 
the longer, coarser, crimpier wool. Its easier to get a smooth yarn.
Debbie Bennett
Feral Fibre
>  (Although many times a more coarse yarn is used for
> weaving and I think you are describing a softness to the fleece.)
>
> Sue Martin
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