Swaledale has a natural off white creamy colour to it, rather than being a pure white.
The breed originates in the Yorkshire Dales, meaning it's a mountain wool and pretty tough. This sheep can be found in many mountain areas of the UK.
Along with the wool it contains a mix of white and black kemp which are the strong brittle hairs that give the fleece and the sheep the hardiness to stand up to severe mountain weather.
Traditional use was for carpets and spun for outerwear jumpers.
It will wet felt but takes quite a lot of time to do so. Good for needlefelt 3D structures, model sheep perhaps.
15cm staple length, 35 micron. Sometimes called Swaddle in Cumbria
Origin: North Yorkshire
Wool Type: Medium/ Harsh
Micron Range: 36-40 Staple Length: 10- 20 cm
Main Uses: Spun for use in rugs, jackets or baskets, adds great durability and wear to yarn. Good for adding interesting texture to felting.
Other Facts: Bred with the Bluefaced Leicester to produce the North of England mule.
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