Breed Book- Coopworth

Coopworth

Photo credit http://www.coopworth.org.au/cliftonhill/

Their fleece ranges from 8-18 pounds (averaging 12lbs) with not much weight loss from washing. 

The fiber has an average staple length of 5”-8”. 

The average micron count is 30-39 for adults depending on what the bred end use is.

Woolen

Prep- Scoured, rinsed twice. Teased then carded 3x into rolags. Spun woolen using a long draw.

The tips were a little stained which is why I decided to scour the fiber but besides that it was very clean. I felt the fiber was on the drier side after the scoring process. I used a dowel to help me roll the rolags because it was difficult due to the length of the fiber. The rolags did not want to stick together because of the dryness. While drafting I felt it wasn't coming out as even as I would have hoped. There were some sections which were difficult to draft so I would use an assisted long draw. 

Suggested end use: The yarn is not the softest, however, it could be next to skin. I think because of the length of the fiber the yarn would be very durable, making a great outwear piece or something like a blanket.  

Worsted

Prep- Dipped washed then scoured the tips because they were still dirty. Teased then combed. Spun worsted using a  forward draw. 

The tips were a little stained which is why I decided to scour the fiber, however, the fiber was very clean. I felt the fiber was on the drier side after the scoring process. I loved combing this fiber and it was easy to pull off into a sliver. This fiber is perfect for worsted prep because of its length and characteristics. There were a few nubs that I picked out during the spinning process where I spun the fiber butt to tip. I am really happy with this yarn and its great sheen. 

Suggested end use: I think because of the length of the fiber and the yarns durability it is best suited for weaving. It has such an amazing sheen that would make a exquisite shawl.