I source many of my fleeces directly from local farmers, primarily throughout Victoria, supporting the producers who raise beautiful Corriedale, Finn, Alpaca, and other breeds for hand spinning.
I have to say that Corriedale fleeces make my heart sing. With variations ranging from robust and springy to buttery soft, every fleece brings its own unique character and nuance. Their versatility, generous staple length, and ease of spinning make them one of my favourite fibres to work with.
When it comes to Merino, however, I take a slightly different approach. While I appreciate its incredible softness, I don't particularly enjoy spinning it directly from the fleece. I find the staple length a little too short for my personal spinning style, and although it produces a beautiful yarn, I prefer a different spinning experience.
Instead, I purchase premium undyed Merino roving from Nundle Woollen Mill in New South Wales, an Australian business that proudly supports Australian wool growers. I work with 21-micron Merino, which I spin and dye in my own distinctive style, using the vibrant colours and rich palettes that have become synonymous with Dappleberry.
Every fibre I choose is selected not only for its quality but also for the unique qualities it brings to the finished yarn. Whether it's the character of a Corriedale fleece, the softness of Merino, or the lustre of Alpaca, each fibre has its own story to tell, and I take great pleasure in transforming these wonderful natural materials into yarns that inspire creativity and bring joy to makers.
I take great care in preparing every fleece and skein that passes through my hands. All fleeces are washed using Power scour, a gentle yet effective wool wash that cleans the fibre while preserving its natural qualities.
For dyeing, I use citric acid as a fixative with my acid dyes, ensuring vibrant, long-lasting colours while maintaining the softness and integrity of the fibre.
All fleeces, rovings, and yarns are washed and rinsed in harvested rainwater. I find that rainwater produces beautiful results and is one small way I can reduce my environmental footprint while working with these wonderful natural fibres.