Extensive information about six down breeds of sheep for you to consider spinning, raising or knitting with using the patterns included.  Spin-Off's editors have taken a somewhat expansive rather than exhaustive approach to Down breeds in this eBook; only two of the four

breeds profiled here are included in Deb Robson’s excellent article “The Down

Wools.” So why include others? Two reasons.

First, although there are differences between true Down breeds (Dorset Down and Hampshire) and Down-like breeds (Cheviot and Black Welsh Mountain), the breeds share certain similarities: Dual-purpose breeding; mostly square, blocky staples; springy, medium-fineness wool. In her book Practical Spinner’s Guide: Wool, Kate Larson names Cheviot among the Down-type breeds; Beth Smith counts Black Welsh Mountain in the group in her book Spinner’s Guide to Fleece.

Second, the Down breeds and the related breeds described here share an underdog status among handspinners. Not long ago, Down breeds were dismissed as “meat sheep” (which makes their defenders wince). Recently the tide has begun to turn, and I hear of spinners seeking out Hampshire, Cheviot, and Suffolk fibers. Perhaps more spinners will be moved to take up a study of the Down breeds and will share their findings in future issues of Spin.Off. In the meantime, enjoy learning more about these quirky breeds.

All of Halcyon Yarn's ebooks, are printed in full color on acid-free coated stock, saddle-stitched and ready for immediate browsing and convenient posting next to your wheel.