Tiroler Bergschaf or Tyrolean Mountain Sheep

Staple : my sample approx. 5cm

Micron: unavailable

About Tyrolean Mountain Sheep: date back to ancient Stone Sheep. They are medium to large, pure white without any pigment. They are characterized by long, broad and pendulous (lop) ears. They are found through Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. The Tyrol Mountain originated from Bergamasca, Steinschaf, and Spiegel variety of Carinthian. They are bred primarily for meat .

The wool is quite coarse, thick and oily. The traditional cloth, called Loden was originally woven by peasants living in Loderers in the 16th century . The Sarner Jangger from Valle Sarentino/Sarntal is a tightly-knitted, very warm cardigan and is often worn as part of traditional costume. Typical characteristics are the brightly-coloured seam and antler-horn buttons. Also felted  slippers or Patschen  or Toppar are popular. Fleece from Tiroler Bergschaf /Merino /Jura sheep from the Weiz region provides the outstanding quality to Schladming fabrics and wool products.

 

My Spinning experience: Of course my spinning experience is limited by my sample. My batt was a bit neppy but after reading more on this fascinating breed, the resulting spun yarn would fit exactly into its current uses. Now whilst my 20g sample will never become one of the amazing garments traditional of the region, this princess would love to slip on a Sarner Jangger and pair of Patschen whilst sitting by the roaring fire of the ski lodge and sip Glühwein.