The plan was that I would go on holiday to Northumberland and take some lovely pictures of the fells and the hardy Hexham Black Face sheep that are kept in the area. Well a bad back starting day two of the holiday meant that I spent most of the time laying on a sofa, literally my bed of pain.
HBF sheep live out on the fell all year round they lamb outside needing very little help. Extra food is only given in the worst of weathers. The fleece of these tough little animals is very course, straight locks that the rain slides off, dense and hairy for warmth.
You might think that the hand spiner would have little use for this kind of fleece but it was an interesting exersise spinning it. I found it very easy to spin an even yarn. Making it a good fleece for a beginer to start with. As long as you don't want to wear the result and have another use like rug or bag making in mind your item should be very tough and last a long time. The sheding of the hairy bits will be a problem if you are not careful when sorting the fleece at the start. Leave out the worst of the gard hair.
Sorry no photos I'll try again next time.
