Crafting, and particularly textile crafting, can provide hours of joy not only in the creation of your beautiful craft but also in the wearing.
As the world is becoming more discerning about the impact of man-made fibres and the microplastics they shed on our planet and the effect they have on our health, the eco-conscious are eschewing man-made fibres and plastic derivatives and opting for traditional natural fibres instead, such as sheep’s wool.
In addition to being better for our health, better for our oceans and more sustainable, natural fibres look beautiful and are likely to last much longer if well cared for. Let’s take a look at breed-specific yarns.
What is the difference between normal wool and breed-specific yarns?
Most wool is made from a mix of fleece from many different animals of differing breeds, blended to make a strong and versatile wool yarn. Breed-specific yarns are made from wools that come from a specific and often singular breed of sheep or goat. Some breed-specific yarns are highly sought-after due to the craftmanship involved and because they are made in small quantities.
What are the benefits of breed-specific wools?
Crafters who make wearable items can benefit from breed-specific wool. Specific coat types will be better suited to some projects; for example, crafters making a jumper, scarf or other item that sits flush to the skin often find it best to choose yarns or a macrame kit containing Merino or Cormo wool. Available from stockists such as www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/macrame-kits, these yarns are extremely soft and very springy, making them ideal for clothing items.
Textile crafters making a blanket or shawl may wish to consider a yarn from a longwool breed from Lincolnshire or Leicester, as this type of wool has a beautiful drape.
