About 50% of New Zealand wool is classed as strong crossbred (35.4 micron and stronger), which is ideal for making carpet. New Zealand wool is white, so it can be dyed a multitude of colours – illustrated by the coloured sheep in this advertisement. Wool from poorly bred sheep or harsh conditions is often yellow rather than white, and can only be dyed dark colours.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Private collection
Reference: Bill Carter and John MacGibbon. Wool: a history of New Zealand’s wool industry. Wellington: Ngaio Press, 2003.
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