“Gayfeather" Jacob combed top

Jacob is an old English breed of sheep that is known for being piebald (spots!) and having multiple sets of horns (sometimes 6 or 8 horns on a single sheep!) The wool is rustic and toothy but soft and fine enough for sweaters. I find it softer than Cheviot and coarser than Shetland, and a disorganized fluffy crimp that lends itself well to woollen drafting right from the combed top. Since they are so spotted, the wool blends into a warm heathered grey colour that takes dye beautifully. 

I named this colourway after one of my favorite native perennials, Liatris spicata. It goes by many common names but gayfeather is the best one (objectively).