Quote Originally Posted by figheadair View Post
In the 18th century the standard fleece used for tartan came from the Scottish Dunface but that was 'improved' (effectively bred out of existance) in the 1800s. Today a good worsted cloth will be woven from a Crossbred yarn but don't ask me what the cross sources are as I haven't the faintest idea. It might surprise some to learn that most yarn for tartan is actually imported, often from New Zealand.
Crossbred wools in New Zealand will come from a lot of breeds such as Romney, Border Leicester, Suffolk, Corriedale etc. mostly British breeds that we've tried to optimise. They're selling for about US$ 2 per pound at the moment whereas mid grade merino is fetching US$10 per pound. That said there's no limit to the price for super premium merino. My dads cousin farms merino and his best effort was a part bale of wool which was enough to make about 40 men's suits which sold to an Italian firm for a shade under US$ 800 per pound. I shudder to think what a 20 oz 8 yard kilt would set you back.