Not what I was expecting

 Every so often someone will offer free fleece to me, I'm usually cautious about accepting but sometimes its worth a chance. I asked what breed the sheep were and was told border Leicester cross, This made me a bit apprehensive as I'm not the biggest fan of long wools but hey, if I can't spin it, I have a friend who will use it on her allotment.

So the fleece travelled up to Nottinghamshire and we made a trip out to collect them. First glance was interesting, very clean, not a lot of vegetable matter and for the most part not a lot of crimp

My first instinct is that this is a down breed cross, locks short and stubby, reminds me of Oxford Down only shorter (maybe Shropshire) and I suspect that they will make warm hats.

random crimpy locks

Half the fleece is now washed and I'm still thinking down breed fleece.

At this point I realised that my camera did not like taking photos yesterday !! anyway, here is a spun knitted sample 9wpi, 4mm needles at the bottom as a curiosity knit, 4.5mm at the top to check if suitable for plain hats.

Its really warm and woolly, not super soft but will be great for the usual mitts/hats etc. Next step will be to see how it takes dyes.

I've just had a quick look at the other fleece, quite different on first glance so I'll try and get it out fully later in the week.

In other news, this beauty is in the wash today.

Have a great week everyone, its going to be a hot one today so once again I have a line full of washing from the van as I try to get ready for another road trip.