Fibre - Merino.

We all love it, with it's luxury feel and it wide array of colour choice, but what do we know about it?
 
The Merino is the most economically influential breed of sheep in the world, prized for its wool. Super fine Merinos are regarded as having the finest and softest wool of any sheep. Originally from Spain you may be mistaken in thinking that modern Merino sheep are solely Australian and New Zealand breeds, but in fact the Merino breed is spread across Europe too. It is however, the Australian and New Zealand breeds that are most revered today for their fine quality.

The Merino breed is a productive animal developed by man. Therefore the genetic history of the Merino is not a linear history of a gene pool selected over time for superior wool or fleece weights, but a history of outcrossing and the selection of material that is productive in the local environment. This is why some Merinos have a thicker and slightly more dense feel to the fine 64s.
 
Merino is an ideal quality for both wet or dry needle felting, carding, blending, dying and spinning. Ideal for beginners and those more advanced Merino has a wonderful handle and comes in an array of dyed colours (70-75 in my store). The details of the Merino I stock are; Count: 21 micron/Bradford 64, Staple: 12-15cm. I also stock a few delicious blends for you too!
 
(I'd like to thank Wikipedia for their information which helped to bring you this tip today).
 
Sara, of Sara's Texture Crafts (eBay ID itsavintagthing)