Southdown Top

A very versatile, medium handling wool ideal for hand-spinning that dyes very well.

The Southdown breed is the oldest of the “down” sheep. It originated from the native sheep of the region, which were improved beginning in the late 1700s and continuing through the 1830s.  The Southdown was probably imported to North America in the 1700s, though the first documented importation occurred in 1803, with sheep brought into New York and Massachusetts. Importations continued throughout the 1800s, though the breed did not become popular until after mid-century with the subsiding of the Merino craze.

The American Southdown Breeders Association was formed in 1882. The breed was highly regarded as a premier meat breed until the market shift to taller, larger sheep during the 1900s.

Today, it is about the 6th or 7th most popular breed in the United States, and its population has held steady during the past 20 years with over 5,000 lambs registered per year.

Specifications:

• Content: 100% Wool
• Breed: Southdown
• Weight: 250g (8.8 oz.)
• Staple Length: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
• Micron Average: 28 – 30
• Country of Origin: Great Britain

Conservation Breed Wool