Alfeire

Alfeire is the yarn from which traditional blankets (mantas) are woven in southern Alentejo. It is spun from the wool of a small flock of merino sheep from Odemira. Its unique texture and softness are the result of a long process that to this day is entirely carried out by hand and that includes caning the wool to loosen the fibers and oiling it with olive oil before carding. Spinning is done on a century old great wheel, locally called banco. Alfeire comes in all the natural shades provided by the sheep of Alentejo.

The fleeces used for these yarn come from free range grass-fed sheep.

Weight: worsted 
Yardage: ±220m | 240yd = 80g to 100g
Needle size: 5mm / US 8
Fibers: 100% undyed wool
Texture: single ply
Gauge: 18 stitches and 26 rows = 10cm