Instead of calling this a breed study, we refer to it as the Treadles to Threads Amazing Multi-Breed Spinning Experience (T2TAMBSE). Participation is optional. Every three months, three breeds are chosen, a cost is estimated for a minimum of one ounce for each participant (it is possible to request more!), and we order the wool in bulk. The wool is distributed one breed per month. We specifically spin undyed wool roving. At the end of each month, we meet to discuss and maybe complain about the spinning experience spinning the month’s breed.
First Round (September 2023 through November 2023)
Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em breeds
September 2023 – Santa Cruz
October 2023 – Black Welsh Mountain
November 2023 – Navajo Churro
Bonus wool: Teeswater (Sheila offered an ounce to each interested participant)
Phase 2 (December 2023 through February 2024)
Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em breeds
December 2023 – Cotswold
January 2023 – Clun Forest
Bonus wools: Icelandic (donated by Wendy) and Harlequin (donated by Sheila)
February – Romeldale/CVM
Phase 3 (March 2024 through May 2024)
Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em breeds
March 2024 – Shetland
April 2024 – Southdown
May 2024 – Dorset Horn
The Dutch Phase (June 2024 through August 2024)
Ingrid brought back Dutch wool from Europe this year and we will sample these three breeds
- Texelaar – from the Island of Texel
- Swifter – a cross of Texel and Flemish sheep developed in 1970
- Schoonebeeker – a heritage sheep from Northeast Netherlands
The Paradise Phase (September 2024 through November 2024)
In February, Paradise Fibers of Soikane, a source for a variety of spinning fiber, was the victim of arson. They had to shut down the family business during the spring, and re-opened at the end of June. To help Paradise Fibers recover, we spun three fibers they had in stock for reasonable prices.
September 2024- Grey Gotland: a Northern European short-tailed sheep
October 2024 – Brown Manx Loaghtan top: native to the Isle of Man (a 4-horned and sometimes 6-horned sheep!)
November 2024- Perendale: a Romney and cheviot cross developed in New Zealand
DECEMBER and JANUARY 2024 – we are taking a break from the Amazing Multi-Breed Spinning Experience. However,
MAGICALLY, more wool has appeared in the Magic Wool Closet maintained by Sheila. The Merry Multi-Breed Christmas magic brings us two breeds. This wool was donated and is therefore absolutely free to participants.
Katadhin – Vickie donated a Very Large Quantity to the Magic Closet. This is a hair sheep originally imported from the Virgin Islands and bred in Maine.
Karakul – After we watched the mill carding wool at Jackie Post’s farm, Sheila bought the wool that was carded in our presence. It was Karakul from one of the sheep on her farm. Karakul is a breed of domestic fat-tailed sheep which originated in Central Asia. There is a very limited amount of this.
Non-Sheep Fiber Phase (April 2025 through June 2025) – By request of Amazing Spinning Experience participants from the past, we are experimenting with non-sheep fibers.
April 2025 – De-haired yak
May 2025 – Baby camel
June 2025 – Cashmere
Extra option, for those who were interested: Angora Rabbit
To participate in the next round, send an email to info@treadlestothread.org
When the breeds are chosen, an announcement is sent to the guild mailing list.