this site last updated Aug 26/06
typo corrected
PO Box 200 . Amisk, AB . T0B 0B0 (780) 856-3738 mail@nordinfarms.com |
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About Scottish Blackface Wool
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| Most breeds of sheep grow about a 3 to 4 inch staple of wool each year. Scottish Blackface sheep are among the long-wool breeds and boast a staple length of up to 14 inches. | |
| A longer staple means stronger yarn and greater durability. |
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"...suitable [rug] fibers should be coarse...
straight or wavy,
rather than with much crimp... and long,
at least 3"-4" staple length.
The more revolutions an individual fiber makes,
the more securely it will remain in the yarn and
resist wear."
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Linda C. Ligon, et.al. A Rug Weavers Source Book
Introduction by Martha Stanley; Interweave Press, Inc. |
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Hand carding washed Scottish Blackface wool.
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| Despite their unusual appearance, Scottish Blackface sheep do have wool not hair. Their wool is of a low crimp however, and is not classed with wool from other breeds of sheep - they are in a class of their own. |
Nordin 005 (CEA 4689)
putting on her winter coat.
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Scottish Blackface wool is a heavy duty coarse wool suitable
wherever durability is required. It is best suited for carpeting
and matresses where it is prized for it's resiliance,
and for heavy blankets, slippers, and outerwear where the long staple and
hardy fibre makes for long wearing fabric. Scottish Blackface
wool is used to make the famous
Wilton
carpets, and
Harris Tweed handwoven fabrics.
The wool is also good for making durable felt. |
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Rug Making Made Easy
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To learn more about wool, dyeing, carding, spinning, weaving, and all the associated tools, check out the excellent categorized resources on our links page. |
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