Origin: Sweden, from the Gute or Goth sheep
Diameter: 25-35 microns
Staple Length: 3-7 inches (7.5-18 cm)
Colors: primarily a variety of greys from light silver to almost black
Lock Characteristics: long, lustrous, dense, wavy/curly, soft, defined crimp
Average Fleece Weight: 5.5-11lbs (2.5-5kg)
Gotland is a modern breed of Northern European Short-Tailed sheep. Originally found in Sweden, the Gotland can now be found in the British Isles, New Zealand, and as an American upgraded breed. The Stansborough flock in New Zealand has been working toward a finer Gotland fleece and is the source of fiber used in the cloaks in the Lord of the Rings movies.
Gotland takes dye well and has a nice drape and luster to it, almost like mohair in nature. Its qualities can be best seen in a worsted yarn spun with a short forward draw and a combed preparation. It makes a beautiful smooth yarn but can also create a brilliant textured yarn.
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