Ethel – 10% Zwartbles / 90% Exmoor Blueface The Devon Naturals range from John Arbon Textiles is a celebration of local fibre and British sheep breeds. Spun in 4ply, these heavenly gradients showcase some of the finest undyed, 100% traceable wool. This carefully curated collection highlights local wool in natural gradient shades. Alongside the blend of Exmoor Blueface and Zwartbles (previously called Exmoor Zwartbles), John Arbon Textiles has added Grey Exmoor Blueface and Romney options. Each breed is available individually, as well as in blended gradients, giving makers the best of both worlds. Every blend draws out a unique characteristic of the wool—Zwartbles/Exmoor Blueface is wonderfully bouncy and robust, while Grey Exmoor Blueface/Romney is soft and lustrous. These versatile, sheepy yarns are designed to suit a wide range of projects and to help makers find the perfect blend for treasured pieces. As the range is all about celebrating the sheep, John Arbon Textiles has kept the naming simple and joyful—each yarn is named as though part of a little flock, with charming alliterative, old-timey names that bring a smile. Composition 10% Zwartbles / 90% Exmoor Blueface Yarn Weight Fingering (4ply) Product Weight 100g Yarn Meterage 400m (437yd) Yarn Format Skein (Hank) Fibre Characteristics Zwartbles: The breed originates from Friesland in The Netherlands, but is now widely farmed across Exmoor. They are a naturally dark brown sheep with distinctive white accents on their face, legs and tails. The fibre is voluminous and incredibly bouncy, when added to a blend it creates a wonderful depth of tone. Micron: 35; Average Staple Length:9cm/3.5” Exmoor Blueface: This is our most local sheep and can be seen dotted across the Moorland where we live. A crossbreed of the Exmoor Horn (our local hill sheep) and the distinguished Bluefaced Leicester (the softest British sheep breed), the Exmoor Blueface sheep produces a beautifully soft and springy fibre which is excellent in just about any blend. Micron: 31; Average Staple Length: 9cm/3.5” Care Instructions John Arbon Textiles recommends that all yarns are gently washed before use, as no washing or conditioning is carried out after the yarns are spun and skeined. A simple soak allows the fibres to bloom beautifully and gives a much clearer sense of the gauge and character of the yarn over time. Once a piece is finished, John Arbon Textiles suggests giving it another hand wash before wet blocking to the given dimensions. This process sets the stitches and ensures the garment looks its very best.
