When Romans first settled the Cotswold Hills in southwest England, they brought with them the ancestors of the modern Cotswold sheep. The open hills of the area were well-suited to raising sheep and, over centuries, the wool trade flourished in the area. Leicester Longwools were introduced to the flocks in the late eighteenth century in an effort to make a better sheep for fleece and meat production.

The modern Cotswold is a relatively large, sturdy animal with curly bangs which fall over the forehead. Their fleece hangs in heavy ringlets and its staple length runs from 7” to a remarkable 15” long. These long, wavy fibers spin into a crisp yarn that needs little twist to make it durable. It’s a perfect yarn for lace, open stitches stay open and patterns are well-defined. Cotswold skeins take dye beautifully, making for well-saturated, luminous colors.