Churro
Churro (Navajo-Churro) sheep have long been raised by the Navajo people. However, their numbers have diminished greatly over the years due to cross-breedings and government-sponsored herd reductions. Now they are now one of the rarest breeds in North America.
Churro sheep are a double-coated breed, with an softer inner coat and a coarser, hair-like outer coat. The inner layer of a Churro fleece will have staple length of approximately 3-5 inches with a micron count of about 10-36 microns (more typically in the range of 28-36). The outer coat of a Churro fleece can have a staple length as long as 6-12 inches, but it is much coarser than the inner coat, with micron counts above 35 (typically in the range of 48-56). Churro wool can be spun “in the grease” more easily than some other varieties of wool, due to its low amount of lanolin. Churro fiber has a silky texture, and has little crimp.
If there are any current auctions on eBay for Churro fleece or rovings, you’ll find them listed below. Click a picture or description to get more information or to place your bid.
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12" Stapl Gray/Brown WOOL Navajo-Churro Raw Fleece 2 lb US $19.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 17:03:17 PDT Add to watch list |
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14" Staple! White NAVAJO-CHURRO Wool RAW FLEECE 3.1 lbs US $17.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 20:29:31 PDT Add to watch list |
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Roving,Navajo~Churro,rich Brown or silver Brown,12 oz. US $30.00 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 9:18:23 PDT Add to watch list |
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14" Stpl Gray/Brown WOOL Navajo-Churro Raw Fleece 11 lb US $39.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Aug-03-2010 22:06:28 PDT Add to watch list |
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2#'s of Spinner's Mix Navajo~Churro fleece US $24.00 End Date: Wednesday Aug-11-2010 10:23:16 PDT Add to watch list |
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3 #'s of Spinner's Mix Navajo~Churro fleece US $36.00 End Date: Wednesday Aug-11-2010 10:27:15 PDT Add to watch list |
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Roving,Navajo~Churro,rich Brown or silver Brown,16 oz. US $40.00 End Date: Sunday Aug-15-2010 10:05:14 PDT Add to watch list |
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Roving,Navajo~Churro,rich Brown or silver Brown,4 oz. US $12.00 End Date: Sunday Aug-15-2010 10:05:20 PDT Add to watch list |
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Fleece washed, Brown/Gold,Navajo-Churro,5" staple,5#'s US $60.00 End Date: Tuesday Aug-17-2010 12:04:00 PDT Add to watch list |
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Fleece washed,Long Hobbs Silver,Navajo-Churro,9", 4 #'s US $48.00 End Date: Tuesday Aug-17-2010 12:04:15 PDT Add to watch list |
Churro wool is strong and durable, and is probably most often used for weaving rugs. However, Churro fiber with a lower micron count works well for socks and outer garments. Navajo-Churro fleeces can be found in a huge variety of natural colors, including white, various shades of brown (ranging from light beige and tan to reddish brown and dark brown), light and dark grey, and black.