The spinning count range for the fleece is between 56's - 64's. Average staple length is 3-5 inches. The fleece has good crimp with more crimp per inch in the finer fleeces, producing greater elasticity. The fiber ranges from 26-21 microns in diameter.
Our fleeces are protected year round with covers which are changed 3-4 times per year to allow for growth without matting the fleece. The result is an unusually clean fleece; spinning it in the grease is both possible and common. To further insure the quality for hand spinning, we skirt very heavily. Because our entire fleece is white and exceptionally clean, it is especially attractive to dyers.
All of our fleeces are indentified by the name of the animal. Spinner who select a fleece have the option of reserving the fleece from that animal in subsequent years. We keep samples of each clip so that, if a certain fleece is not available, we can help select another with similar characteristics. Contact us for samples.
Roving
Spinners who want the advantage of Arvgården Corriedale fleece, but do not have the time or facilities to wash and card their own can purchase roving. Fleece for Arvgården roving is sent to be custom washed and spun at the Finger Lakes Fiber Mill in New York. Contact us for Samples.
Yarn
Arvgården yarn is custom spun by Finger Lakes Fiber Mill. We do not have large quantities of fleece to be spun into yarn, but we do have 2 ply sweater weight and 2 ply sock weight yarn.
We use the Finger Lakes Fiber Mil because the owners are willing to work with us in maintaining our quality, and they guarantee that our fleece is kept separate so we can assure customers that the yarn is from the same animals as the raw fleece.
Lamb Skin Rugs
When we sell market lambs, the pelts are salted here on the farm. After they are properly cured, we send them to Bucks County Fur Company in Quakertown, PA where they are tanned and trimmed. These lamb skin rugs are washable.
Market Lambs
We have a limited number of market lambs available in October.
Lambing at Arvgården takes place in late March. We take orders for lambs which are usually processed at 90-100 lbs live weight. Delivery is normally in late October. The lambs are custom butchered in a USDA inspected facility.
Our lambs are never separated from the dames while they are on the farm. We feed hay until they go out on pasture which is a supplement to nursing. Weaning is done by the ewe as the natural rhythm dictates to her and her offspring. We feel this reduced stress is better for the health of both ewe and lamb. Around the first week in May, we put the animals out on pasture where they stay until fall when they return to the barn paddock to be fed hay.
There are no artificial growth hormones or other stimulants used in our feeding program.
Ordering Information
Fleece is sold by the pound from individual animals. They are generally sold as full fleece. Full fleeces average 3-4 lbs.
Felting Fleece is sold by the pound. This is the fleece that comes at the edge of the cover and is the result of the ‘second skirting’ that we do to assure optimum quality and cleanliness in the primary fleece. It is excellent for felting and is often purchased by beginning spinners as it is less expensive than the prime fleece. Felting Fleece is not segregated by animal.
Roving is sold by the ounce. This washed and carded fiber is ready to spin.
Yarn is sold by the ounce. The heavier yarn is in skeins and the finer yarn is generally on cones suitable for the hand weaver.
Contact us for prices and samples.
To Order or for more information:
Keith and Hilma Cooper 5159 Arnot Rd Wellsboro, PA 16901-8381