|
Breed History | |
Wensleydale Sheep
The Wensleydale wool is a luxurious fiber, in a class by itself: the most lustrous and finest longwool in the world. It contains no kemp, which are the coarse itchy fibers found in other types of wool, so it can be worn next to the skin.
The Wensleydale sheep are a rare breed with only around 2000 breeding ewes in the world; large and majestic, yet placid and thoughtful by nature, possessing strong mothering instincts.
The Wensleydale breed, as we know it today, descended from English Leisters and a local breed, known as Mugs, around 1839, most notably from the very prolific sire known as "Bluecap", a ram of "enormous size and substance" - (vol 1 Pure and Select Flock Book) "He had a very dark blue head, and his skin was nearly black although covered with fine white lustrous wool."
In order to establish the Wensleydale breed in the US, it has been necessary to import frozen semen from the UK and to artificially inseminate ewes of genetically similar breeds - namely Lincoln Longwool, Cotswold, and English Leicester Longwool.
The North American Wensleydale Sheep Association maintains the registry of all the lambs and is an excellent source for the breed standard and tracking the progress of this breed towards "purebred" status.
Their long tightly curled "locks" are the signature of this breed They can be easily spun into fine yarns of many different weights. In just a year's time, these lustrous locks can become 12 inches or more in length!
|
Here at Gwenyth Glynn we are continuously exploring new and creative outlets for our fleeces and fibers working with spinners, knitters, needle felters, and fiber artists!
Events |
