Wool is probably the most popular fiber to spin, largely because of its versatility. Some Romney fleece may be suitable for wear next to skin (depending on the wearer). The Australian Romney is a large, dual purpose sheep producing strong, heavy wool and very good lambs, with a large proportion of twins. They were little snippets about my own observations about various types of wool, and they are not designed to tell you everything about the animal, breed, fleece, spinning techniques, etc. The fleece is long (4-8 inches) and lustrous with well-defined, uniform crimp that hangs in distinct locks. As a dual-purpose animal, the Romney sheep are good for both meat and wool production. Romney is one of the major sheep breeds in New Zealand. The tale of the Romney sheep is one of the southeastern English coast, salt marshes, and smugglers. Coarser Romney wool, when spun with a … Romney Sheep. However, review full breed profile of the Romney sheep in the following chart. The breed is originated from England. White, black, gray, silver and brown are the natural colors, however Romney wool readily takes dye as well. Uniformity of coverage is essential and quality should be maintained from the shoulder to the back of the flank; a weak or open back is not acceptable. Today, it is a popular dual-purpose purpose animal in many countries. Romney fibre is one of the most versatile of fleece. This long-wool sheep was critical to the early English wool trade, and when the English colonized Australia and New Zealand, the Kent Romney traveled right alongside them. Exported to other continents, the Romney is an economically important sheep breed, especially to … Ideally, the spinning count of the fleece is … In general, it is a good felting fiber. The annual staple length (amount of wool growth between shearings) is approximately eight inches. Mini Fiber Review: Romney Wool Way back when, I used to write up these mini fiber reviews. British Romney has a range of 30-35(information on micron count taken from The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook). The Romney is a "long-wool" breed recognized in England by 1800. Romney wool is prized by handspinners for its high luster, soft handle and ease of spinning. There are several different breeds of sheep, and each breed offers a different type of wool. It is also the easiest fiber for beginners to spin. Romney shows footrot resistance, high fertility, good milk production, thus allowing them to feed the twins and triplets. Quality: Romney wool is moderately dense but parts easily and is free opening in nature with a well-defined crimp from butt to tip. Romney sheep raised primarily for meat and wool. It is one of the finest fleeces of the long wool breeds, noted for its well-defined crimp, lock structure and relatively low grease weight. It has strong wearing features, so can also be used in homewares where durability is important. Quality: Romney wool is moderately dense but parts easily and is free opening in nature with a well-defined crimp from butt to tip. Geographically isolated from the rest of the country, the Romney developed on its own and adapted well to … Other ones include Perendale, Coopworth and Lincoln, to name a few. Some also are trying to increase wool bulk … Romney Sheep breeders listing & info The Romney is a British long wool sheep that evolved in the low wet Romney Marsh district in southeast England during the 13th century. Their wool is heavy, and a healthy mature ram can produce up to 10 kg per year. Romney wool has the finest fiber diameter of all the longwool breeds; the spinning count may run from 40 to 48 which is 38.0 to 31.0 microns. They may be softer or crunchier depending on the animal. Romney can efficiently convert pasture into lean, high-quality carcasses. Otherwise, the wool is good for caps, mittens, gloves, sweaters. It is interesting to note that due to market forces, Romney breeders are starting to scrutinise the fibre that their flocks are producing and are beginning to breed more for favourable fibre characteristics than for fleece weight. These little nuggets are easy to digest and are wonderful to look at. The Romney breed remains a favourite of fibre enthusiasts who can get their hands on the fiber. WOOL Quantity: Ewes should shear 8 pounds or more, and rams should shear 12 pounds or more per year with a yearly staple length of five inches or more.When shown, fleeces need to be of adequate length to display the Romney fleece characteristics and quality. New Zealand Romney wool ranges from 33-37 microns. Romney fiber can be spun worsted with a light twist making a soft yarn for sweaters, or clothing fabric. Lamb fleece or first shearings tend to be softer. The fiber itself is useful in clothing (lamb or first shearing may even be "next to skin") as well as homewares.