This fun little fibre pack is designed to introduce you to a few unusual breeds that are not available in Australia. It contains 20g of each breed, perfect for sample spinning… and great for spindle spinning 😃

Fibre content: (from light to dark)

Galway

This is a historic rare breed that is native to Ireland. It has strong medium staples between 14cm - 19cm and medium micron of around 30, it has a firm and crisp handle with fluffy crimp. The fleece is snowy white that takes dye very well. This fibre is often found in heritage Donegal Tweed.

Lleyn

Pronounced “hleen”, Lleyn is a heritage Welsh breed that is creamy white and bouncy fibre. It is a mid grade fibre with a micron range of 31-33 but handles much softer. This is a highly versatile fibre known for its softness and lustre, and it is highly elastic.

Marsham

Marsham originally came from North Yorkshire around the town Marsham thus the name, the breed came about by crossing Teeswater with a Dalesbred. The fibre is lustrous with a subtle sheen, it has long staples between 15cm - 22cm and a medium micron of around 33-35. Marsham fleece can be white or grey (grey in this pack).

Manx Loaghtan

Manx Loaghtan (pronounced locktun) is horny!! These woolly babies are polycerate, even ewes and lambs have horns, some can have up to 6 horns. Manx Loaghtan came from Isle of Man, “Loaghtan” means mousy colour in Manx due to their natural brown colour, spinners would call it Moorit. The fibre is medium everything: medium staple length (7cm - 10cm) , medium micron (around 30), and medium handle (not merino soft but not scratchy either).

Zwartbles

Zwartbles originated in The Netherlands but now can be found across Europe and North America, they have a distinctive white blaze marking from crown to nose, and white feet. The fibre is medium to fine around 27 microns, staple length between 10cm - 13cm with nice crimp. The natural colour is a gorgeous black or dark brown to black.

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Cat has written a series of fibre study blog posts about these fibres, you can ready about them here.

Craeg, named for the strong, enduring rocks of the Australian crags. This fibre is for the maker who loves the natural world and values wool that works as hard as they do. It’s an easy-drafting, incredibly durable blend, perfect for your next heirloom project.

Fibre Composition:

60% Gotland (Lustre)

40% Corriedale (Crimp)

Colour: Natural Mid-Grey (Undyed, Non-Superwash)

Provenance: 100% Grown and Processed in Victoria, Australia

What Makes Craeg Tops Special?

• The Feel of the Blend: Craeg is designed for happy hands at the wheel (or spindle). The Corriedale crimps give it a lovely bounce and grip, making drafting smooth and even, making it forgiving for beginners and a pleasure for seasoned spinners.

• Built for Real Life: We've paired the beautiful drape and silvery lustre of the Gotland with the spring and elasticity of the Corriedale, resulting in a blend that’s destined to be spun into a gorgeous, hard-wearing jumper or sturdy accessory that holds its shape.

• From Paddock to You: We believe in clean fibre. This wool is 100% grown, scoured, and prepared right here in Victoria, Australia. By keeping the process local and transparent, we know exactly where your fibre comes from, ensuring a genuinely low-carbon footprint and complete supply chain traceability.

• Just Good Wool: No harsh chemicals needed. This non-superwash wool retains all its natural warmth, breathability, and bounce. It’s authentic, old-school wool, prepared simply and ethically.

Craeg is also suitable for both needle felting or wet felting.

Custom Blend by Ethereal Medusa, 100% Australian natural wool and 100% traceable, grown and produced in Australia.

This blend is a limited edition under the label of Ethereal Medusa, which is a joint venture by Cat & Sparrow Fibres and Melbourne City Dyeworks. The aim is to celebrate Australian wool and bring about an all round fibre blend that is suitable for a wide range of purposes.

Fibre content:

60% Corriedale

29% Cheviot

11% Bond Merino

This is a beginner friendly blend with medium length staples and it is easy drafting.

Non-superwash so hand wash only. Also suitable for felting.

Rapunzel is an exquisite blend of 50/50 Rambouillet and Tussah Silk. It has a soft golden colour with a bouncy and silky handle. This blend spins beautifully and it is easy to draft, so both new and experienced spinners can enjoy this wonderful fibre.

Each braid is 100g.

Rambouillet is also known as French Merino, it was developed in the 18th century during the reign of Louis XVI, who purchased some 300 Spanish merino from his cousin Charles III and developed the breed on his royal farm, on his domain of Rambouillet. It was later crossed with English long breed for better characteristics. The fleece of Rambouillet is classified as fine wool with a micron between 18.5-24.5, which is ideal for next to skin wear.

Tussah Silk is from wild silkworms that feed on oak and juniper leaves, it is naturally golden beige, has long staples and it is strong and resilient.

This blend is undyed all in its natural glory.

Care: hand wash with wool or mild detergent, dry in shade