WoolBit:

So what are some of the characteristics of wool you want to look for when going for a spinning fleece?

That is other than, oh that is so beautiful I just have to have it! :-) 

Have you noticed (I'm chuckling to myself since I fall into these categories) you have those who plan a project then look for fleece and those who look for fleece and then plan a project.  

So on to the characteristics:

1. Tensile Strength - how much tension can it take?
2. Elasticity - does it "boing" back after pullling on it?
3. Luster - putting it in simple terms, shiny longwools have less serrated scales duller fleeces have more serrated scales which breaks up light reflection.
4. Color
5. Staple Length
6. Micron Count - diameter of a fiber - generally the shorter the length the finer the diameter.
7. Softness/Pliability - depends on breed, climate, care, scaling of fiber
8. Crimp - finer wools generally have more crimp which increases the elasticity
9. Vegetable Matter
10. Moths/Mildew
11. And one I never thought of, its Hygroscopic(moisture) Quality - how much moisture will it hold - this is a good indicator of dye uptake.

Next WoolBit:  Classes of Fiber.

Information from Hands On Experience with various breed and research from books including Wool by Hart.

WoolBit:

WoolBit: 

Structure of Wool Fiber: There are three defined layers to a wool fiber.

1. The outside or epidermis.  The epidermis consists of the overlapping scales which give fiber their felting and spinning properties. 
2. The middle of the fiber is called the cortex which is defined by it's angular shaped elongated cells.  The cortex defines the elasticity and strength of the fiber. 
3. The medulla is the core of the fiber.  The core is the pathway to which the fiber received it's nourishment.

Wednesday's WoolBit:  What makes up the spinning qualities of fiber?