Cinder Brae FIBER

Soay are a small Northern European short-tailed wool sheep, native to the outer reaches of Scotland. Originally discovered on the island of Soay in the St. Kilda archipelago, it is believed that Soay were some of the first domesticated sheep - as far back as the Bronze Age. Small in stature but mighty in hardiness, Soay sheep have a diverse wool coat with course hair like fibers and a soft, downy undercoat. While the wool is primarily used for hand spun crafts, the meat of the Soay is unique to primitive breeds and can command a premium. They can thrive in some of the toughest conditions and have proven to thrive in our region with ease. Considered 'on watch' by the Rare Breed Survival Trust. 

Merino sheep are known worldwide for the characteristics of their fleece.  Originating in Spain in the 13th-14th centuries, Merino sheep are arguably the most common sheep in the world.  Their distinct appearance is a result of cross breeding English sheep with local domestic Spanish sheep. The wool is soft, fine, crimped and typically a 3" - 4" staple length. Merino must be sheared at least once a year because their wool does not stop growing. Merino wool is some of the finest and softest wool of any sheep.  Due to the superior, useful qualities of their wool, Merino sheep are not typically bred for meat consumption. 

Hampshire/Suffolk sheep are typically raised for meat production due to the rate of gain (meat production) relative to the age of processing.  Hampshire sheep originate from Hampshire County, England from around the 1830's. As a result of their robust stature and strong muscled, blocky bodies, the ewes typically weigh 200lb, while the rams are around 250lb. The Hampshire wool is springy, strong and highly elastic. Their wool takes dyes well and can be used in making durable clothing items. Because it doesn't felt well, items made from this wool are able to be machine washed. Suffolk sheep also originate from England (Suffolk) and like the Hampshire, their short, blocked wool dyes well and does not felt easily. Ewe and ram weights can be slightly higher than the Hampshire. Most of the wool that comes from either breed is often perceived as less than desirable by the textile industry and is often sold into large pools for commercial processing.

Raw Fleece is wool that has been sheared off the animal without any processing (skirting). It includes the grease, lanolin, dirt, vegetable matter, dirty bits and dung tags. 

Skirted raw fleece is hand processed to remove the heavily soiled areas, large vegetable matter items, second cuts and dung tags. 

Scoured wool is washed raw wool. It is a very hands-on process that includes several washing cycles and as many, if not more, rinse cycles. 

Washed wool is almost free of vegetable matter and lanolin - especially if the fleece (sheep) is not coated.

Combed top is the product of a fiber prep process (combing) that makes the wool fibers run in the same direction (parallel to each other). Combed top creates a smooth, worsted yarn.

Wool Roving is the product of carding wool into a fluffy rope with fibers going in all directions. It is most often used to spin woolen yarn.

Batting is also a product of carding however it is most often created by a drum carder, instead of hand cards. Batting is a thick sheet of wool with fibers running in all directions. It is warm, breathable and multi-purposed.