merino sliver

Micron ~22, Staple length approx. 7.5cm (3ins).

Merino wool is very soft with a closely spaced crimp.  You can spin a fine woollen yarn using the long draw or a worsted yarn using a short draw. Merino is ideal for super fine knitting, crochet and lacework.

Ashford Merino sliver is a 100% New Zealand product with wool from pasture-fed sheep from our high country sheep stations. We know many of the farmers – some of whom have farmed the land for generations. They take great pride in the quality of their wool and the high standard of animal husbandry. The sheep are well cared for and are not mulesed.

After the sheep are shorn, on the farm, the wool is carefully skirted and checked. Only wool that is sound, clean with good fibre length, bulk and colour is selected. It is sent to a boutique New Zealand mill to be dyed, carded and combed.

It is scoured (washed)  using an environmentally-friendly, biodegradable detergent  . The wool is then dried and dyed. The dyes comply with the strict EU regulations and garments made from the sliver can be certified under the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This standard is the most widely known standard for certification of ecologically-safe clothing. (Detailed information can be found at www.oekotex.com). The fibre is then gently opened and conditioned. Carding machines align the fibres and remove any foreign matter. It is then gilled and combed.

Ashford Merino sliver is available natural or dyed..

Honey 035, Apricot 031, Butterscotch 036, Toffee 037, Cheesecake 003, Yellow 027, Rasberry 047, Strawberry Shortcake 012, Pansy 046, Scarket 028, Skin 029, Chocolate 020, Ice 030, Blueberry Pie 013, Blue 021, Purple 025, Cupcake 033, Lavender 034, Grape Jelly 008, Magenta 023, Mint 032, Lime 043, Bean Sprout 019, Spearmint 007, Green Tea 004, Lagoon 042, Indigo 041, White 091, Natural Light 092, Natural medium 093, Natural Dark 094, Liquorice 014, Grey 016.