How the Fibres are Processed

Initial grading involves removing the really dirty fleece, which is composted, before being used on the dye beds. The fibre is sorted into 3 basic types at this stage: fine and soft; less fine; and kempy.  The fleece is then washed with rainwater and a small amount of Ecover for delicate fabrics.  This removes most of the dirt, whilst leaving plenty of lanolin for combing/carding and spinning.  Larger pieces of vegetable matter are also removed, but there will always be a bit left.  The fleece is allowed to air dry, prior to further sorting.  It is sometimes difficult to see the ginger fibres mixed in with the good fibre before the fleece is washed.

This process enables you to have fibre of the quality you need for your project.  It is more economical to send washed fleece, but if you prefer it to be unwashed then that is available too.  The different types of fleece/fibre I provide are as listed below.

Unwashed Raw Fleece

The fleece has been sorted and the higher quality is ready for you.  As it can be difficult to see the ginger kemp in the softest unwashed fleece, some may be present.  It is also hard to distinguish between the grade 1 and 2 fibre at this stage.  Some vegetable matter (VM) will be present.  This fibre can be used for spinning, wet and needle felting and all crafting activities (you may wish to wash it before use though).

Washed Raw Fleece

After initial sorting the fleece is gently washed to remove the dirt and some VM.  It is air-dried and then further sorted into the following grades.  There is still plenty of lanolin and oil left in the fleece for combing, carding and spinning.

Grade 1

Beautifully soft and fine fibre with some lustre.  It ranges from 2½ to 4 inches staple length often with a lovely crimp.  It is suitable for combing or carding then spinning into fine yarn or any other type ready for use.  Personally, I prefer to comb this fibre.  I have made some beautiful baby clothes, soft scarves and lovely cowls with this fibre.

Grade 2

Similar to grade 1, the fibre also has crimp, but is slightly thicker and has a shorter staple length from 2 to 4 inches. It can be carded or combed prior to spinning into any type of yarn.  I have used this yarn to make hats and gloves.  It can also be used for sweaters or cardigans.

Grade 3

Another grade with no kemp.  This is much shorter with soft fibres. There is is less crimp and the staple length is ½ to 2½ inches.  It could be carded and used to produce chunky yarn.  Alternatively, it is suitable as core fibre for needle or wet felting or as a natural stuffing.

Grade 4

This is the kempy fibre.  It contains ginger fibre amongst finer fibres or is the kemp from the back legs of the sheep.  The staple length is 1 to 4 inches.  It can be carded and spinning into rough yarn for making into dish clothes etc.  I also use this fibre on my peg loom to make seat pads.

Naturally Hand-dyed Carded Fleece

The grade 2 fibre is washed again to remove the remaining lanolin and oil.  It is then dyed with home-grown plant dyes.  For example, Woad, Weld, Nettle, St John’s Wort or onion skins from the kitchen to create a range of beautiful colours.

After through washing and drying the fibre is carded ready for use.  It can be spun or used in needle or wet felting or other creative fibre crafts.

Naturally Hand-dyed Locks

Some fibres are curly and wavy after dyeing.  It is beautiful and suitable for needle felting for  special effects or other fibre crafts.

Naturally Hand-dyed Hair

The tail of Portlands (they are not docked) is covered in thick coarse hair.  This is shorn off when the rest of the sheep is shorn, washed and dyed with home-grown plant dyes.  It makes amazing ‘hair’ for needle felting, models or other crafts.