From the Sheep's Back to Yours - Following Wool Production Line

From runway fashions and sound proofing to emergency uniforms and handmade blankets, wool is an incredibly versatile fibre. It breathes and insulates; is water, fire, static, noise, dirt and mite resistant; and drapes like no other material. However despite all these natural attributes, wool goes on a fairly complex journey before we enjoy it as a high end quality product.

To explain these processes it is important to first point out that there are two ways in which wool can be processed into yarn. The first is the worsted system by which 80 per cent of Australian Merino wool is processed. This produces a fine, lightweight, strong fibre ideal for tailored clothing such as suits. The other way is called the woollen system which produces a bulky, uneven yarn that is soft, fuzzy and more suited for heavier items like