CLASSING, RECORDS, ETC.

CLASSING, RECORDS, BAGGING AND WEIGHING
By Linda Wendelboe

Classing each fleece and keeping written records of the fleece production for each Shetland can be very useful. These processes are effective for marketing fleeces at a premium and also for improving breeding decisions for quality fleece production.

The staple length (relaxed) and style (crimpy, wavy, or straight) of the locks/staples should be measured and recorded. Handspinners often want to match a staple length and style to their project. In commercial processing, mill requirements and capabilities vary from mill to mill. Fleece 3-6" is usually suitable for processing into a worsted style yarn. Fleece over 6" may have to be processed by a specialty mill or may have to be cut by a mill in a special machine before processing. Fleece from 2–4" is usually suitable for processing into a woolen style yarn.

"Hand" or "handle" is also very important in marketing to hand spinners or in choosing the end use for the fleece. Noting the feel of the fleece can be very helpful. Some sensations that may be apparent are: softness (different from fineness), stickiness, dryness, silkiness (a smooth feeling), resistance to compression, ease of drafting (pulling the staple apart from the tip or butt end).

Fineness is a characteristic that takes experience to measure subjectively but recording some assessment is important. If you have a fleece reference binder containing samples that have been histogram tested, you can compare to that. Using a linen pick, loupe or 10x magnifying glass may be helpful. Put dark staples on a light background, put light staples on a dark background for examination. There is no need to try and estimate micron counts, if you do not have the experience for this. Noting Finest, Fine, Medium, Coarse and Coarsest is a good start.

Any additional information such as animal name, age, length of growth period, lustre, colour or fleece tenderness can be recorded along with current micron count, if known.

The skirted fleece from each Shetland can be weighed; the weight and various qualities of fleece for that Shetland added to the written record. The weight of the collection bags, if weighed beforehand, can be deducted to determine the shear weight of the fleece. This information is useful in tracking fleece growth patterns and changes and in examining possible correlations between husbandry practices and fleece production.

Any fleeces showing dual coat characteristics (containing a large percentage of longer outer coat or secondary coarse fibre) can be improved by dehairing or removing the hairier or coarser fibres. Some mills have dehairing facilities. This can also be done by hand before processing. Do not place fleeces having dual coat characteristics in with fleeces that are relatively free of the longer hairier outer coat.

Shetland fleece can be stored in plastic bags for moderate lengths of time but the bags should be left open for at least a few days to allow moisture to escape. Long term storage is better in cloth or cardboard. Greasy fleece will become rancid over time so washing fleeces that will be in long term storage may be prudent.