Dorset Down shearling fleece 
Poll Dorset shearling fleece
Terms used to describe and choose fleeces:
CRIMP – the natural waves within the wool fibres
STAPLE LENGTH – the length of the individual fibres
LUSTRE – the ability of the wool to reflect light (shininess)
ELASTICITY / LOFT – the airiness and warmth of the fleece
LANOLIN – the natural oils excreted from the sheep
ROVING – washed and carded fleece ready to spin
SKIRT – the removal of undesirable parts of the fleece
SECOND CUTS – small fibres created when the shearer passes for the next cut
KEMP – coarse hollow fibres present in some breeds
SHEARLING FLEECE – a fleece from the first shear of a sheep, this makes the fleece purer and free from blemishes caused by lambing etc. It is often longer in staple length as well
EWE FLEECE – this is fleece from female sheep who have been shorn before, and probably had a lamb in the spring, it still makes fantastic wool, but won’t be as pure as the shearlings
Dorset Down fleece
Dorset Down wool is renowned for its use in the hosiery and fine tweed trade. Being very fine and versatile, like many Down breeds, it makes an excellent choice for the hand spinner.
Fleece weight: approximately 4-6 pounds, 2-3 kg
Staple length: usually 2-3 inches, 50-75 mm
Fibre diameter: about 25-30 microns
Crimp: usually distinct and even
Lustre: medium
Softness: very soft
Elasticity and Loft: superb
Colour: white, but can be fractionally creamier than the Poll Dorset
Dyeing: The fleece will take dying well
Comments: Often blended with other fleeces to give elasticity and crispness to the yarn
Suitable for: spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting and needle felting. It does not easily wet felt
Zwartbles fleece
Zwartbles sheep originated from the Netherlands, The wool is medium to fine with an blocky well developed lock and slightly jumbled crimp, it is very springy with a black colour. It will make durable hats, mittens, gloves and textiles that require strength. Zwartbles fleece also makes an excellent choice for the hand spinner.
Fleece weight: approximately 7 pounds, 3 kg
Staple length: usually 3-5 inches, 75-125 mm
Fibre diameter: about 25-30 microns
Crimp: Sometimes jumbled but usually distinct
Lustre: medium
Softness: very soft
Elasticity and Loft: superb
Colour: black with sun-bleached tips
Dye: not much point due to its naturally dark colours!
Comments: Often blended with other fleeces to give elasticity and crispness or dark streaks to the yarn
Suitable for: spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting and needle felting
Jacob fleece
Jacob wool is medium to fine with jumbled locks, it has moderate crimp and some lustre, however its selling point is the unique colours and proportions of those colours each fleece has to offer you. Jacob fleece also makes an excellent choice for the hand spinner but buy enough at the start so you can card like colours together to form a blended yarn!
Fleece weight: approximately 4.5 pounds, 2 kg
Staple length: usually 3-5 inches, 75-125 mm
Fibre diameter: about 25-35 microns
Crimp: moderate
Lustre: some
Softness: very soft
Elasticity and Loft: medium
Colour: white to dark brown to black in varying proportions
Dye: not much point due to its naturally mixed colours!
Suitable for: spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting and needle felting