Did you know there are hundreds of sheep breeds around the world, each producing its own unique type of wool? Last month, at our local Spinning & Weaving gathering, I learned about a truly special one - the Cotswold sheep. This ancient British longwool breed originated in the Cotswold Hills of western England and is known for its long, lustrous curls and beautiful natural sheen. It’s believed the Romans brought this breed to Britain nearly 2,000 years ago, and it’s often affectionately called the Cotswold Lion.
Exploring the Fleece
At the gathering, I received a sample box filled with different preparations of Cotswold fleece. Some fibers were washed, some were carded, and some were dyed into the most gorgeous shades of green. I used my tiny 3D‑printed Turkish drop spindle from Turtle Made to spin the combed fibers, and I left a few locks uncombed so I can later incorporate them into a bouclé yarn once I’ve practiced a bit more. Aren’t those curls stunning?
Three Beautiful Natural Fibers
The box also included three natural fleece types:
- Washed 100% Cotswold fleece – which I hand‑combed for worsted spinning
- Drum‑carded 100% Cotswold fleece – perfect for woolen spinning
- Drum‑carded blend – 85% Cotswold and 15% Rambouillet
All of my mini skeins turned out so lovely. They have a gorgeous sheen and a fluffy, airy texture. They’re not very bouncy and feel a bit rougher than soft, but their strength and appearance remind me a lot of mohair.
A Mini Bear With Big Charm
When I thought about what to make with this wool, my mind immediately went to animals... crocheted, knitted, or even felted. I ended up using all my mini skeins to create this sweet little bear from my Chubby Little Bear pattern.
Because the yarn spun up to about a fingering weight, I used a 2.5 mm hook for the bear. His scarf is made with two strands held together and a 4 mm hook, using a Romanian Point Lace cord (the video tutorial is here). This woolly little bear stands about 5.5″ tall, and he has quickly become one of my favorite pieces to display.
A Wool I’ll Definitely Use Again
I truly enjoyed working with Cotswold wool. Its history, texture, and sheen make it such a pleasure to spin and crochet. My next goal is to create some beautiful art yarns with loops (bouclé) but that’s a story for another day.
