Well now isn't this an interesting fleece!
History: According to In Sheep's Clothing, the Jacob sheep is classified as being in the "other fleece type" section. The sheep's origins appear to be as spotty as the fleece on it's back. The breed traces back to the coloured sheep brought to Spain by the Moors, and it is thought to have been crossed with multi horn breeds from Scandinavia and Northern Scotland. Other sources state the Jacob's roots may be from the Middle East. At one point, Jacob were kept in English parks for their ornamental value.
Today it is known as a primitive, ancient breed. In North America, the Jacob sheep is on the endangered Sheep breed list. This is not the case, in the UK where the sheep have been improved to produce larger sheep and therefore more meat.
Wool Uses: The Jacob wool is used for specialty wool fabrics and knitwear. It makes excellent outerwear and blankets, and is prized by handspinners for it's unique fibre.
Fibre prep: All methods of prep are suitable for this fleece. It is interesting to note, that it is common to find several colours within a single fleece,and each possesses it's own unique characteristics. The breed standard indicates that variety within the fleece fibres is acceptable. The fibres may vary from fine to medium, with an open, lofty semi lustrous, silky handle.
Average fleece weight: 1.3 - 2.5 kg (4 - 51/2 pounds).
Crimp: moderately developed
Staple characteristics: staples are indistinct with short pointy tips.
Staple length: 8mm - 150 mm (3 - 6 inches)
Count: 48 - 56s
Microns: 33 - 26 u
Information sources:
- In Sheep's Clothing - Fournier and Fournier
- Handspun Treasures from Rare Wools - Interweave Press
- Canadian Sheep Guide
My sample: Thus far my fleece sample was quite even, but did not meet the breed standard for it's length (Only 1 1/2 - 2 inches). It did not have a very soft handle, and I really found no areas that I would describe as being "silky" in nature. Unfortunately there were a fair number of second cuts, and the fleece sample was quite dirty, requiring several washes and rinses. It did have a wide range of colour variations - from cream, to med brown to a delicious looking dark chocolate. Unfortunately again there were tender areas in 2 of the four areas sampled. Crimp was undstinguishable.
Spinning: Because the sample fibres were so very short, I used my hand cards for prep, but again I was not pleased with my results due to the high percentage of second cuts, and still some VM that required hand picking - therefore lots of waste and not much left to work with in the end... boo! hoo!
I will post more photos after I knit up my samples...
(Update: Coincidentially, I have just discovered a nice story about a woman who raise Jacob's in the Summer 2006 Spin-Off).
Wow, that's a pretty short staple! Do you have a better source for Jacob fleece...'cause the one you describe sound pretty unappealing to the spinner.
Posted by: Valerie | October 27, 2006 at 04:37 AM