Rare Breeds Fibre
Stewart Island Sheep
Hand spun, hand dyed and hand knitted fingerless mittens made from Stewart Island wool.
These badger faced sheep have a very unique ‘pre-industrial revolution’ fleece. The staple length is not uniform across the whole fleece but varies quite significantly. The fineness of the fleece with its intense crimp suggests a Merino-influenced origin.
The staple is quite short and machine carding, rather than hand carding, is recommended. It can be spun and knitted or crocheted. The result is a very warm garment with lots of loft.
However, Stewart Island wool felts beautifully. The felt is soft and bouncy and wonderful to work with.
Staple from a Stewart Island Fleece.
Layering Stewart Island rovings to make felt.
Securing the layered rovings
with a few stitches.
The finished felt, ready to get creative with it – maybe as soles for slippers.
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