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.