Arapawa Polwarth Wool Blend

Arapawa wool fibre has a special story. It descends from Spanish Merinos and it is thought that they were taken to the newly discovered Americas in the 1500s. 

Perhaps it was from here that Captain Cook sourced the sheep that he would later bring to Aotearoa. It is believed that on Captain Cook's last voyage he left two ewes and one ram on Arapaoa Island in the Marlborough Sounds. The breed adapted to the conditions on this island and has survived as a wild flock ever since. It is now farmed throughout the country by passionate enthusiasts that enjoy its fine bouncy and naturally coloured fleece. 

We have combined this unique fibre with Otago Polwarth fleece to provide the soft white base. With the exception of dyeing of the darker colours, this yarn is untreated to preserve the unique character of these fibres.