This time we would like to share a special place with you, a place called ‘Tarndie’, \u00a0somewhere all us fiber fanatics would enjoy visiting! Firstly we would like to congratulate them on their 175 years and six generations of the Dennis family, farming in this wonderful part of South West Victoria (Australia). This is how awesome it is, these are the people who, in the 1880’s, developed the Polwarth breed of sheep! Australias first unique sheep breed and one of the most desired wool breeds for handspinners today. They achieved this by crossing Saxon Merino sheep from Tasmania, with Victorian Lincoln sheep. They then continued to breed with Merino until they reached a stabilised breed type that we now know as Polwarth. Their sheep are coated, and their top quality fleeces can reach a staple length of\u00a013cm \u2013 17cm, just fantastic for handspinners!<\/p>\n
The homestead itself is beautiful, properly named Tarndwarncoort, it is a beautiful old bluestone heritage house which is currently used as a bed and breakfast (see we really \u00a0CAN all go there too!).<\/p>\n
Check out some photos from their website<\/a> (which you really should take a look around too!)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.majacraft.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tarndie.jpg\" "\\"Tarndie\\"")
<\/a>While visiting there you can see the flock they keep, and you can also purchase wool from the Tarndie onsite shop. They process their fleeces into yarns and combed top, \u00a0Glynis visited Tarndie herself when she took a group over to Australia on a fiber adventure, and she says their fiber is top quality, it is now on my wishlist!<\/p>\n