Define dark sheep free#

Each fleece must still be selected on its merits. However, knowing something about the breeds will give the craftsperson an idea of what to expect. There can be wide variations between fleeces even within a breed. As with handcraft wool, there are specific requirements if quality skins are to be produced. There is a small but growing demand for natural coloured sheepskins. Furthermore, both commercial enterprises and handcrafters find that by overdyeing natural coloured wool they can obtain a lovely range of interesting soft colours. Natural coloured wool can also be blended with other specialty fibres, such as alpaca or mohair and most recently possum, in the making of luxury products. Natural coloured knitting yarn is popular in New Zealand and overseas, and is made by a number of companies. These command high prices in the export and tourist markets. This is a niche market for top quality fleeces.Ĭoloured wool is also processed by commercial manufacturers into yarn, and may be made into woven or knitted garments, blankets and rugs, and other items. Some breeders export fleece and carded wool for handcrafts to other countries. Spinners, weavers, felters and other woolcrafters value the wool from coloured sheep for its natural look and its freedom from dye chemicals. The best-known end use for natural coloured wool is handcrafts. The way wool is handled at shearing time is also very important.

Define dark sheep free#

Good management also plays a big part, ensuring that wool is sound and free of contaminants such as vegetable matter.

Each breed has characteristics that make its wool suitable for particular uses.