Oh The Fiber – Romney wool

Romneys produce an extremely heavy fleece depending on where the romneys are from they can produce anywere from 8-22 pds. Romney has little grease compared to other breeds there is only a loss of about about 20-25% percent in weight after washing.

White Romney Fleece from Homestead Wool and Gift Farm on flickr

The average staple length is 4-9 inches. The micron count depends on where the romney is from: North american romney wool micron count is  29-36 microns. New Zealand Romney wool ranges from 33-37 microns. British Romney has a range of 30-35(information on micron count taken from The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook). They may be softer or crunchier depending on the animal.

I found my romney to have a buttery, silky hand with a slight bit of crispness. It is next to skin soft. I have no trouble wearing this next to my neck.

Natural colored romney fleece by cgoyer on flickr

Romney fleece is wonderful for handspinning as some can be fine enough for next to skin wear.  It’s delicious to use in any preparation carding or combing.

Dyed romney locks by carrie loves puppies on flickr

Here are my unwashed Romney Locks.

My unwashed romney

unwashed lock of romney

Here the romney is after a bath. 

washed romney

washed romney lock

Combed romney wool

Combing romney fiber

Combed romney nests

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