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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 219
The fleece of most black sheep has a tendency to lighten from year to year. However, there is an advantage in this because it gives a greater variation in color from a small flock. When you are looking to buy a black sheep, do not consider the degree of darkness as being the prime factor, what you should look for is the body conformation, and grade of wool which will be inherited by the offspring.
Cleaning fleeces for processing:
Most fleeces need washing before they are processed. On the odd occasion you won't have to do this if a lamb's fleece is really clean and can be processed and spun first and washed later.
If you need some grease to remain then use a natural soap. If your requirement is that it is grease-free then use a regular detergent and a de-greasing washing-up soap. Several fleeces can be washed at the same time in a washing machine, however, some experienced shepherds wash their fleeces one at a time in a washtub. The following is a guideline on how to wash your fleece:
1. If you choose to hand wash or wash your fleece in a top-loading machine, fill the container/drum with hot water and add 1 cup (235.6 ml) of laundry detergent and half a cup (118.3 ml) degreasing washing-up soap.
2. Make sure the detergent and soap are well mixed before you push the fleece down if you are using the hand wash. If you are using a washing machine, do not run it on full cycle, let the wool soak because you do not want to agitate the fleece.
3. Do not twist the fleece, rather, every now and then squeeze it gently.
4. Continue soaking for at least an hour.
5. After this, loosen all the dirt by emptying the water. Lift the fleece from your container and pat it dry. If you are using a washing machine, set to spin dry.
6. Rinse the container/drum and refill with warm water.
Cleaning fleeces for processing:
Most fleeces need washing before they are processed. On the odd occasion you won't have to do this if a lamb's fleece is really clean and can be processed and spun first and washed later.
If you need some grease to remain then use a natural soap. If your requirement is that it is grease-free then use a regular detergent and a de-greasing washing-up soap. Several fleeces can be washed at the same time in a washing machine, however, some experienced shepherds wash their fleeces one at a time in a washtub. The following is a guideline on how to wash your fleece:
1. If you choose to hand wash or wash your fleece in a top-loading machine, fill the container/drum with hot water and add 1 cup (235.6 ml) of laundry detergent and half a cup (118.3 ml) degreasing washing-up soap.
2. Make sure the detergent and soap are well mixed before you push the fleece down if you are using the hand wash. If you are using a washing machine, do not run it on full cycle, let the wool soak because you do not want to agitate the fleece.
3. Do not twist the fleece, rather, every now and then squeeze it gently.
4. Continue soaking for at least an hour.
5. After this, loosen all the dirt by emptying the water. Lift the fleece from your container and pat it dry. If you are using a washing machine, set to spin dry.
6. Rinse the container/drum and refill with warm water.