Australian Merino Wool Views

• Automotive

Alchemist wool jerseys are made of 100% Australian Merino wool, the finest available. Our jerseys are vintage inspired, with classic styling and fit.  Our signature branded jersey is now available for order.  The jersey is also available for customization, either in raised felted lettering or embroidery.

The term merino is widely used in the textile industries with varied meanings. Originally it denoted the wool of Merino sheep reared in Spain, but due to the equivalent quality of Australian and New Zealand wools, the term now has broader use. In the dress-goods and knitting trades, the term Merino means an article containing Merino wool.

Before the 18th century, the export of Merinos from Spain was a crime punishable by death. In the 18th century, small exportation of Merinos from Spain and local sheep were used as the foundation of Merino flocks in other countries. In 1723, some were exported to Sweden, but the first major consignment of Escurials was sent by Ferdinand VI of Spain to his cousin, Prince Xavier the Elector of Saxony, in 1765. Further exportation of Escurials to Saxony occurred in 1774, to Hungary in 1775 and to Prussia in 1786. Later in 1786, Louis XVI of France received 366 sheep selected from 10 different cabañas; these founded the stud at the Royal Farm at Rambouillet. The Rambouillet stud enjoyed some undisclosed genetic development with some English long-wool genes contributing to the size and wool-type of the French sheep.[11] Through Emperor, the Rambouillet stud had an enormous influence on the development of the Australian Merino.

Macarthur pioneered the introduction of Saxon Merinos with importation from the Electoral flock in 1812. The first Australian wool boom occurred in 1813, when the Great Dividing Range was crossed. During the 1820s, there was increasing interest in Merino sheep. Macarthur showed and sold 39 rams in October 1820, grossing £510/16/5.[17] In 1823, at the first sheep show held in Australia, a gold medal was awarded to W. Riley ('Raby') for importing the most Saxons; W. Riley also imported Cashmere goats into Australia.