I did not find Gulf Coast listed in either of my reference books. however, according to the Gulf Coast Sheep Breeders Association (www.gulfcoastsheep.info), they are one of the oldest breeds in America, descended from sheep brought to the Gulf Coast area early on in American history by the Spaniards. They were allowed to range free and adapted to the hot, humid conditions of the Gulf Coast area. They are also presumed to have interbred with other sheep breeds in the area, particularly French breeds. Gulf Coast wool has an average micron count of 26-32 and an average staple length of 2.5 to 4 inches.
My sample fiber is squishy-spongey, very much like the Down Breeds I previously sampled but perhaps a little denser. Because of this, I decided to experiment a little. This sample's fiber prep seems to be top, but it begged to be spun woolen. So I carded it on my hand cards into rolags and spun longdraw from the rolags. OMG, I never had such an easy time or so much fun spinning longdraw before. I really, really liked spinning this wool this way. I wish I had more than just this little sample.
The sample skein is a four-ply yarn. The other little skein and the bobbin are singles.
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