I found some confusion when looking up information on this wool. I thought maybe the 2 wools (polworth and polwarth) were one and the same just a variation on the word. I found nothing until I looked up a dictionary definition.
Picture courtesty of Oklahoma State University.
Definition of POLWARTH: an Australian breed of rather large medium-wooled sheep developed from crosses of Merino and Lincoln sheep and noted for ability to withstand damp and cold 2: polwarth or polworth -s: a sheep of the Polworth breed
Definition courtesy of http://www.merriam-webster.com
Polwarth is a breed of sheep that was developed in Victoria (Australia) during 1880. They were of one quarter Lincoln and three quarters Merino bloodlines. They are large, predominantly polled sheep with long, soft, quite fine wool and produce good meat carcases. They were developed in an attempt to extend the grazing territory of sheep because the Merino was found lacking in hardiness in this respect. A dual-purpose (meat and wool) breed with a major emphasis on wool production(wikipedia). Since the original Polwarths were imported into Canterbury (New Zealand), in 1932, they are now established in a range of climates throughout the country. They thrive in a mix of hot and cold temperatures, with low to high rainfall, either hill and high country, or lowland environments. Truly one of the most versatile breeds available, with one of the highest returns possible from one single breed(New Zealand Sheep Breeders Association).
Polwarths are now mostly found in the higher rainfall regions of south-eastern Australia that have improved pastures. Polwarths have been exported into many countries, including South America where they are known as Ideals(wikipedia).
Mature ewes weight 50 to 60 kg (110 to 130 lb) and mature rams weigh 66 to 80 kg (150 to 180 lb). Ewes are excellent prime lamb mothers producing lambs that have good lean carcases. The high yielding fleeces weigh an average six to seven kilograms, with a fibre diameter of 23 to 25 microns (58-60s)(wikipedia).
Polworth ewe, Photo Courtesy of Huddersfield Stud of New Zealand
Here are a few pics of my undyed polworth roving.
Here are a few items from the Etsy Outlet.
Rocky Mountain Parnassium
Lime and Orange Batts
Here are some great pics of the animals as they all wanted to be a star today.
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Looking fwd to learning here.