Outlander Tops

 Outlander Tops

This rare breed adventure blend was inspired by the Outlander book series by Diana Gabaldon: that explains the name Outlander.  I wanted to blend precious Scottish Soay Sheep with the quintessential Australian Merino together with Angora Bunny fibre as well other fibres, to create a blend that would be sumptuous, sexy and seriously awesome to spin and work with.

The cute little Soay sheep on the island of Soay have never been managed and lived feral for thousands of years, no one is certain how long or how they got there. 
Soay sheep are tiny. Mature females average around 24kg in weight while mature males are around 38kg, making them about one third the size of most modern domestic sheep and shrinking! The Soay sheep have short tails and naturally shed their wool, which can be hand plucked (called rooing) in the spring and early summer. About one kilogram of wool can be obtained from each animal per year. This breed has extremely fine fleece. The breed lacks the flocking instinct of many breeds. Attempts to work them using sheep dogs result in a scattering of the group. No use entering them at the Bendigo sheep and wool show dog trials: it would be extremely frustrating for the sheep and dogs. They obviously are the rebels among sheep!

The Outlander blend is amazing to spin with all it’s natural colour gradations. Hand dyeing takes it to another level, with the different colours of the base, making the colour tones look absolutely magical. Hand spinning this blend is super easy because of the fact that it’s thoroughly blended, so drafting is effortless. Your yarn will have a beautiful heathered look, with a wonderfully soft handle. Extraordinary to felt with as well.

Fibre Top Roving Details

Weight per top: 100g / 3.52oz

Contents: Soay Sheep 30%, Superfine Merino 30%, Mulberry Silk 15%, Mulga Silk 10%, Cashmere 10%, Angora Bunny 5%

You can read, see photos and videos about this sheep breed and their environment on the IxCHeL blog.

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