Shiny wool that takes dye very well, producing intense rich colors. The modern Wensleydale has inherited these qualities. Fine wool breeds are mainly based on the Merino so these breeds have characteristics of soft, luscious wool measuring between 16 and 24 microns in diameter. Worsted spun by local craftsmen in traditional West Yorkshire mills. Staple length 8-12 inches Wensleydale wool is the finest and most valuable luster longwool in the world. Characteristics. Required fields are marked *. Shoulders:Well laid back into the crop, which should be wide and full. Usually the shortest Ive found this to be one of the softer longwools of the group. It also adds some extra strength. Back of head, especially around the ears, covered with fine wool. The Wensleydale and Teeswater breeds carry the most luster of any of the longwool breeds. The Wensleydale breed was developed to provide rams for crossing onto hill ewes, mainly Swaledale, Blackface, Rough Fell, Cheviot & Dalesbred. It is frequently blended with mohair. The face seen in profile should show good depth of jaw. It is a visually striking sheep with considerablepresence. It has a bold and alert carriage which is accentuated by its broad, level back and heavy muscling in the hindquarters. Characteristic Points of Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Wool: Bright and lustrous. The Wensleydale is a large long wool sheep with a distinctive grey black face, ears and legs. The wool is of the finest quality and is the most valuable luster long wool in the world. Wensleydale Sheep Characteristics. Their woolshiny ringlets that can grow 12 inches or more in a single yearfeels silky and luxurious, despite its average micron count of 30-36. Purebred Wensleydales in England . well known for the exceptionally high quality of its lustrousWool, making it an outstandingdual purpose sheep. This makes the yarn from Wensleydale wool very shiny, silky and soft. The shoulders should be well laid back into the crop, which should be wide and full. This special quality is genetically transmitted to cross-bred lambs, characterising the Wensleydale ram as perhaps the leading wool improver sire in the world. Spinning Wensleydale and keeping the natural curly locks is not difficult, Mandy had been spinning for just one week when she produced this at my last workshop. This fibre will spin beautifully, felt very easily and take dyes well. Wensleydale wool is a high luster longwool and described as very silky. Staple of medium breadth and excellent length; each staple curled or purled out to the end. Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Breeders' Association | Powered by. Hind legs with nice covering of fine wool from hock to hoof. Fleeces are entirely kemp free as a result of the unique characteristics of the wool-producing follicles. The Wensleydale wool is the finest and most valuable luster longwool in the world. Back should be long and straight, loins broad and hindquarters long and square, all well covered with firm flesh. Average lamb weight at 8 weeks: The Teeswater flecces carry slightly more than the Wensleydale as a rule, however that characteristic varies with individuals in each breed. Sheep which come from breeds which produce fine wool are usually reared just for the production of wool; however, others which only have hair, or those with long or medium wool, usually are raised for the production of meat. Neck: Strong, rising gracefully from the shoulders and carrying the head at a good height. Our luxurious Wensleydale Longwool yarn is pure Wensleydale and not blended with other wool. He was a striking ram, with blue pigmentation on his head and ears that is now the hallmark of the breed, great size (203 kg as a two-shear) and wool of distinctive quality. In profile the face should show good depth of jaw. Entire absence of hair about the forehead, back of head and ears. Yearling ewe 200% Ewes 250lbs. For an awful year, thankfully at Home Farm it seems to have gone quite quickly and we are already set up and waiting for our new lambs for the 2021 season.Always making improvements both with the quality of our wool and the health and welfare of our sheep are what keeps us very busy at the farm. Lambs are generally born black or charcoal grey. It is one of the largest and heaviest of all sheep breeds. The wool dyes beautifully. Though developed as aCrossing Sirethe Wensleydale is equally Today the breed is established throughout the United Kingdom and extends into mainland Europe. The forelock should be characteristicallyleft intact at shearing. It is named for the Wensleydale region of North Yorkshire, in the north of England, where it was bred in the early nineteenth century by cross-breeding a Dishley Leicester ram with local long-woolled sheep of a breed that is now extinct. A bit of history. Production is fairly small and much of the clip is consumed by the islanders themselves. Wensleydale wool is used for its special effects and handle in hand knitting yarn, knitwear and cloth and sometimes in upholstery fabrics. The wool is fine, soft and silky to the touch with a good, bulky down characteristic. at 21 weeks. The belly and scrotum should be covered with wool and be free from hair. Of equal staple all over the back and sides from shoulder to breech. Rams should have two even sized and firm testicles. Wensleydale Wool Locks for Doll Hair Hand Dyed Felting Spinning Auburn Brown and Chocolate Brown CalicoSkiesMosaics 5 out of 5 stars (878) $ 6.75. The long staple length contributes to the strength and durability of the yarn. The whole free and open and free from mistiness on the back. Rams 300 lbs. Wensleydale Top. The breed was developed to produce hardy rams for crossing onto hill ewes, together with high quality and valuable lustre fleeces. While producing a strong yarn, it has an amazing softness, luster and drape without loss of shape in a knitted garment. The Wensleydale is a very large longwool sheep, described by the British Meat and Livestock Commission as probably the heaviest of all our indigenous breeds. Wensleydale wool is the finest and most valuable lustre longwool in the world, having commanded the highest price in the British Wool Marketing Boards Wool Schedule over recent years (2011 value 3.80/kg). Scrapie resistance: The Wensleydale has one of the highest genetic resistance to scrapie of all recognised breeds in the United Kingdom, with PrP tests revealing a 93% codon 171 R/R genotype in the breed. A recently shorn Wensleydale. Micron count 33-35 Two separate breed societies, born out of rivalry and conflicting interests, were formed in 1890. Yarns made from long wool are usually worsted spun, a spinning method than enhanced the natural properties of the Wensleydale fleece by adding some extra The head and face should be free of hair. For this reason, it was so easy to pull together six articles about three spinning wool fibersthe ubiquitous Bluefaced Leicester, the hardy Wensleydale longwool, and the rare-breed Jacob. Singles 57 lbs. Wool: Micron count 33-35 ; Staple length 8-12 inches ; Yearling Fleece Weight 13-20 pounds; Wensleydale wool is the finest and most valuable luster longwool in the world. They are entirely kemp free as a result of the unique characteristics of the wool-producing follicles. This special quality is genetically transmitted to cross-bred lambs, characterizing the Wensleydale ram as perhaps the leading wool The most distinguishing characteristic of the Wensleydale wool is the absence of kemp. It has bold and alert carriage which is accentuated by its broad, level back on wide quarters and strong thighs. Ears should be of good size, neatly set on and well carried. It has a blue-grey face and long purled wool, and is among the heaviest of British sheep breeds. Hind legsshould have a covering of wool from hock to hoof. Every issue of Spin-Off is about fiber in one form or another. Only 1 available and it's in 2 people's carts. Ears of good size, neatly set on and well carried. We love our yarns and fibre products because they show the best of the characteristics of Wensleydale Longwool:-SUSTAINABLE: all our production is Sussex Based from sheep to spinning and finished products. The Wensleydale Longwool breed of sheep originated in North Yorkshire early in the 19th Century from a cross between a long since extinct local longwool breed from the region of the River Tees and an outstanding Dishley Leicester ram named Bluecap. These were the Wensleydale Longwool Association and the Wensleydale Blue-faced Sheep Breeders Association each producing its own flock book, despite the fact that each represented the same breed with the same characteristics. Wensleydale wool is used for its special effects and handle in hand knitting yarn, knitwear and cloth and sometimes in upholstery fabrics. Production is fairly small and much of the clip is consumed by the islanders themselves. Root of tail broad. A woollen spun version will lack the intensity of lustre and sheen, though it will be a little bulkier and should still have very good stitch definition. Legs should have plenty of bone, free of coarseor pigmented hair, straight set on at each corner and well apart. A large longwool sheep, visually striking with deep blue head and ears - the face being free of wool Eventually the recognition that this division was not in the interests of the breed led to the two societies amalgamating in 1920 to form the current Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Breeders Association. They are naturally polled and have a tuft of long wool on top of the head which is not typically sheered (for aesthetic purposes). It has a distinctive deep blue head and ears, which should be clean except for a well developed forelock of wool. Their fibre is easy on the skin so a wonderful choice for baby items. Ive worked with Wensleydale before and generally found it to be quite a drapey sort of wool and therefore perfect for lace and openwork, but this particular 3-ply yarn works up beautifully in stocking stitch when knitted at a tight gauge and I cant believe how light and lofty the fabric is, not to mention warm. 180 mm. Fleeces are 20-30 cms staple length and 33-35 microns. It has a lot of the same characteristics as mohair. The lustre long-wools all take dye amazingly and the brightness is really intense in Wensleydale, Teeswater and Cotswold the longer the fibres, particularly if worsted spun, the brighter and more intense will be the dyed shades. Sign up for The Spinning Loft newsletter and receive periodic updates. Average prolificacy: The Wensleydale sheep breed is a long wool sheep breed with a very long coat that if not sheered can reach the ground. Back of head flat and wide between ears. The chest should come well down wide and forward into the brisket. Mature ewes 250%. Wensleydale locks from Fleecybusiness Keeping the curls in Wensleydale Chris: The Man that Can spin and mend spinning Thighs, Legs and Feet Thighs well down into the hocks, large and broad behind. It is a large sheep with long-stapled, lustrous wool that falls in long ringlets almost to ground level in unshorn sheep. Learn how your comment data is processed. Regarding a black spot on a white animal or a white spot on a colored animal: any registered animal, at one year of age, shall not have more than one spot within the wooled area of the body and that spot shall not exceed 2.5 cm (approximate size of a quarter). Wool is a protein fibre that has scales and crimp that make it easier to spin into yarn because the fibres interlock with each other rather than slide loosely against each other (as in the case of cotton which is made of cellulose). These lambs are registered in the coloured register and the dam and sire must also be transferred out of the white flock. The wool varies in quality from approximately 28-33microns and fibre length from 50-120mm. Nearly every issue contains a Fiber Basics article that looks very closely at one breed of wool or type of fiber. A separate register is maintained in the flock book for coloured Wensleydales which occur naturally as a result of a double recessive black gene (this is not exclusive to the Wensleydale). Back, Loins, Sides and Quarters Great length of side, loins broad and well covered with firm flesh along the back. Evolution has adapted their broad characteristics so they can survive in different altitudes and latitudes. Some white animals carry one recessive black gene and mating two such sheepcanproduce coloured lambs from an apparently all white flock. The breed is probably unique in that its Association is able to not only identify a foundation sire, but also trace that rams parentage, year and place of birth and breeder. Our beautiful wools are washed and spun in Yorkshire - so the entire product is traceable and genuine. The neck should be strong, rising gracefully from the shoulders and carrying the head at a good height. The mating of a Dishley Leicester ram with a Teeswater ewe in 1838 produced the famous ram Blue Cap who was the founding sire of the Wensleydale breed. The fibre staple is a generous 20 to 30cm with 32 to 34 microns in thickness. Wensleydale fleeces are entirely kemp free as a result of the unique characteristics of the wool-producing follicles. A breeding up program is developing in the USA, using Wensleydale ram sperm in English Leicester, Lincoln, and Cotswold ewes and their female progeny. The Wensleydale ram gives that extra size and quality to its cross bred progeny, enabling any recognised terminal sire to fulfil its potential. Stapleshould be ofmedium breadthand equalall round the body, each staplecurled or purled throughout its length. Chest: Coming well down and forward between the forelegs, wide on the floor of the chest. Feet moderately large and well shaped. Wensleydale wool produces a strong, silky yarn with drape and shine. Woven, knit or crocheted, Wensleydale is a beautiful wool to work with. The Wensleydaleis a large sheep with mature rams weighing up to 140kg and ewes around 100kg, although individual sheep may be heavier. The crimp in the fibre allows wool fabrics to hold air and thereby retain heat. Both sexes are polled. It has a lot of the same characteristics as mohair. We commission, spin and dye our rare breed Wensleydale Wool in 4-Ply, DK and Aran weight yarns in a spectrum of tempting shades. Any registered animal, at one year of age, shall not have a scur or horn over 3/4 in length, and such scurs or horns on breeding rams should be discouraged. The ears are slightly elongated and stand upright. Fleeces are entirely kemp free as a result of the unique characteristics of the wool-producing follicles. It is an endangered breed, Since the coloured register was commenced in 1994 the number of black ewe lambs registered with the Association has been volatile in 1999 there were 88 registrations but these have declined in recent years. Its a large long wool breed with a distinctive grey black face, ears and legs. Feet should be moderately large and well shaped. These animals have slightly elongated ears and stand upright. Wool: Bright and lustrous. At Home Farm Wensleydales we provide 100% pure Wensleydale wool perfect for knitting, crochet, felting - perfect for any garment. The breed originated in North Yorkshire, England during the 19th century and was developed primarily to provide rams for crossing onto the hill ewe. Your email address will not be published. Part of Our Lives. Wensleydale wool is very uniform throughout the entire fleece. The breeds greatest attribute is the quality and quantity of curly wool each sheep produces. Thighs should be well down into the hocks, large and broad behind. Tuft of wool on the forehead. The characteristics of Wensleydale wool make it ideal for dyeing, and is Es wird vom River Ure durchflossen und ist aufgrund Twin lambs average 6 kgs each at birth with a growth rate that enables ram lambs to reach 73 kgs at 21 weeks and be used with confidence on hill breed ewes in the Autumn. It has bold and alert carriage which is accentuated by its broad, level back on wide quarters and strong thighs. Buyers of Wensleydales for pure or cross breeding therefore have a very high probability of producing progeny of high scrapie resistance. The female crossbreeds develop into prolific, heavy-milking, hardy breeding ewes while the wethers, under natural conditions and on marginal ground, provide quality carcasses at higher weight, with no excess fat. This variation in colour within each staple is particularly valuable to hand spinners and textile artists making the wool highly sought after and of premium value. Because of its similarity, it is regularly used to blend with mohair. Wensleydale fiber is known for it's long soft silky curls.The staple ranges from 7-12" with a 30-36 micron. Breed categories: long wool, dual-purpose, Distribution: United Kingdom, Europe, North America. Their fleeces have absolutely no kemp in them giving them a unique wool-producing follicles characteristics. By popular request the Wensleydale workshop is to be repeated on 6th May at Knuston Hall see events. The darker fleeces have a tendency to grey with age as a result of the appearance of white fibres and the tips of the staples weather to a golden brown or beige. The wool is a high luster longwool and described as very silky. For any one interested inbuying Wensleydale sheep, or newcomers to the breed who may beespecially keen on showing their stock,the following diagram summarises the breed characteristics to aim for along with some common faults (click on the picture to see the larger image): The Wensleydale breed has been developed to provide rams for crossing onto hill ewes, mainly Swaledale, Blackface, Rough Fell, Cheviot and Dalesbred and latterly Beulah, to produce a prolific, milky and hardy breeding ewe (the original Masham) and also a wether which can produce under natural conditions on marginal ground a quality carcass at higher weight with no excess fat. Wensleydale sheep are one of the classic British longwool breeds. Because of its similarity, it is regularly used to blend with mohair. Ashland Bays Wensleydale Wool The Wensleydale sheep is a large breed of domesticated sheep. Staple of medium breadth and excellent length; each staple curled or purled out to the end. Bluecap was born in 1839 in the hamlet of East Appleton, five miles NNW of Bedale in North Yorkshire. Both sexes are polled. Wensleydale ist ein Flusstal in North Yorkshire, Nordengland, und eines der Yorkshire Dales. Average micron count of Wensleydale fleece is 33-35 with a staple length of 8-12 inches and an annual fleece weight of 13-20 pounds. Hindquarters long, square and well fleshed. The wool is fine, soft and silky to the touch with a good, bulky down characteristic. Our combed Wensleydale top loves to be spun with a worsted draw and not too much twist, becoming dense, strong, lustrous yarns with plenty of drape. It is the light As explained previously, Wensleydale wool has the great advantage of being shiny, fairly soft and hard wearing. Yearling Fleece Weight 13-20 pounds. The breed type was not named until 1876, when a name was required for classes at the Yorkshire Show. The breed has a quality known as central checking that prevents the formation of kemp in the fleece. Head and ears of a deep blue tinge which often extends to the rest of the body. Fleece should be bright and lustrous,and of goodlength in an unclipped sheep. Mature weight: The breed produces wool in several shades, including white, brown (moorit), grey and black. Teeth should be well placed at the edge of, or fractionally behind, the dental pad. The worsted spinning method enhances the natural properties of the Wensleydale fleece producing a fineness, softness and sheen which creates a silky look and feel. This special quality is genetically transmitted to cross-bred lambs, characterizing the Wensleydale ram as perhaps the leading wool-improving sire in the world. Here you see a variety of one-ply, two-ply, relaxed and overspun, boucle, dyed and natural colors. The fleece from a purebred sheep is considered kemp free. Inspired by the Twists, Twirls and Spirals challenge (and my recent obsession with Egyptian cotton top), I pulled out some of my favourite fibres and made a couple of cobweb-type pieces of felt. Characteristic Points of Wensleydale Longwool Sheep. A Wensleydale ewe will produce two lambs, and often three,with minimal lambing problems.