BFL

This breed is a Longwool from the family that also includes Leicester Longwool and Border Leicester. It has the finest fleece of the three, and proponents of the breed claim it to be the softest of any of the Longwools – though we think Wensleydale certainly gives it a run for the money in that category. BFL sheep are distinct, with their long Roman nose, upright ears, and dark or “blue” skin. The breed first arrived in the US in the 1980s.

BFL wool is known for being durable yet soft enough for use next to skin. It is commonly sold by indie dyers in skeins and fiber braids for socks. The breed has a strong breeding association and wool pool – with the majority of fleece heading off to the wool pool to be processed and therefore bypassing the handspinner’s market. We do not see much BFL fleece for sale in our travels around the country.

Typical growth for a BFL is three to six inches per year. It often has tight tips that require opening with a flicker or Lock Pop before carding or combing. BFL typically has a medium to high sheen. The sheep can produce either white or a mottled gray-brown fleece that is simple referred to as naturally colored.