Sturdy sheep, sturdy yarn — that’s what you can expect of these breeds. The main difference between them is the amount of kemp in their fleeces. Welsh Mountain contains slender kemp, which adds durability without much accompanying harshness. Expect far more abundant kemp in South Wales Mountain fleeces, and factor in scratchiness when planning uses for this wool. Both breeds exhibit blocky staples with short, tapering tips and a nice, if irregular, crimp in the finer fibers. The fiber mix makes combing or carding a challenge; consider teasing apart the low-grease locks and spinning them directly. Use a light touch when spinning, and expect the kemp to resist twist.
Effect of dyes. Kemp won’t show dyed colors well, but other fibers in the mix will yield interesting shade and texture contrasts.
Best uses. Sturdy sweaters, mittens, hats, blankets, tapestries, rugs — pay attention to the fiber mix, and you can make any of these with selected fleeces of these breeds.
Welsh Mountain sheep from southern Wales are a bit larger than those grown in the central and northern Welsh mountains.