North Country Cheviots are one of my favourite breeds of sheep. Cheviots were brought up to the north of Scotland as part of the Highland Clearances in the late 1700s and were developed from the original Border Cheviot (from the Cheviot Hills on the England/Scotland border).
Crossing with other breeds, including the Leicester Longwool, increased the wool yield and quality of what became the North Country Cheviot but it is still a hardy hill sheep able to thrive on marginal ground. These days the wool is far less valuable but the best of it is very lovely – beautifully crimped, bouncy, plump, a ‘clean’ white undyed colour, strong but comfortable next to the skin.
I’m very lucky to buy Northie fleeces from the Muirton flock, an especially fine Park-type flock. Rod has many years of experience and wisdom, and visits are always a learning experience. The fleeces travelled down to @border_mill with me at the beginning of the summer when I went south to visit family and friends. And the spun yarn journeyed north with me a few weeks ago, on the way back from visiting family again.
Muirton yarn is 230m/100g with two loose plies. It is a little more crisp and robust than some of my yarns but I think many people will find it comfortable next to the skin. I am anticipating it making fantastic hats, mittens and sweaters.
