Preparation of a Show Fleece

Begins at shearing time:

 *          Make sure fleece is clean – free from vm and as much dust as possible

            Use a badminton racket or piece of dowel to clean

*          Advise your shearer that this fleece will be one of your show fleeces and request him to take a little more time and care with it.

*          Make sure that your shearing floor is very clean and free from contaminants.

*          Once shearing starts take extra care in making sure that sub standard fibre is kept well clear of your saddle fleece.  If your shearer allows you the time, sweep the     floor again       before the saddle comes off.

Skirting:

*          Skirting of your fleece takes time.  Do not rush skirting on your show fleeces and do not do them when you are tired.  If you are able it is a good idea to leave your fleece   on the skirting table and return to it again the next day or in a couple of days.

*          Shake it - Take out ALL short fibres, ALL coarser fibres, and ALL varied fibres.

*          If you leave these items in your show fleece, yes you will receive a higher fleece weight score but you WILL be penalized somewhere else and more often than not, judges now are    penalizing hard for unskirted fleeces.  Weight is NOT everything.

*          I have seen two ways with which you can roll your show fleece.

·                    Lay your fleece on the table so that the tip is facing upwards. Fold your fleece in half so that the edges are together and then roll the fleece and bag.

·                    Lay your fleece on the table so that the tip is facing upwards.  Fold the fleece so that the edges meet each other in the centre of the fleece, Fold each end to the centre and bag.

*          Treat your show fleeces with care.

*          After each show, re-skirt your fleece.  Judges will pull out sections of your fleece and you will often find these in the corner of your fleece box.