NARBC - National Angora Rabbit Breeders Association

Raw Wool Presentation

Instructions for Packaging Raw Wool for a Wool, Skein, & Garment Contest

Developed by the 2017 NARBC Commercial Fiber Committee

The new method described as follows was developed by industry standards for fiber contests held all over the United States (mohair, alpaca, wool). Several other fiber animals and their contests utilize this packaging method. The tissue paper helps protect the wool sample, reduces moisture and static electricity, and preserves wool samples for several months. A poor quality wool sample will felt and become disrupted for presentation, regardless of the packaging method. This method was developed with the hopes of reducing shipping costs for remote participants (mail in entries), increase overall participation, improve organization, and to conform to industry standards. The same packaging and sample could then be used in other contests hosted by other vendors and fiber events.

Raw Wool Contest Rules -

Weight of wool should be at least 1/4 oz, not including packaging.

Wool should be presented neatly lined up and placed in tissue paper then inserted into a clear, gallon size zipped bag. No demerits for wool that needs to be folded into the bag. Points are given for clean, neat presentation. No color restrictions. White and colored wool are to be judged together.

English, French, Giant, and Satin angoras are four separate breeds and must be judged separately from each other according to the ARBA Standard of Perfection (excluding color restrictions).

Lay the fibers neatly aligned onto a piece of tissue paper. You only need about a 5" X 5" square sample of fiber.

Wrap the wool gently in the paper by folding over the edges. Clumps of wool should not be shoved carelessly into a bag.

Place the wool sample in a clear, gallon size zipped bag. The judging form may be placed with the wool sample in the bag. The judge will remove the sample from the bag and tissue paper to examine the entry thoroughly. The sample will be returned in the bag after being judged.

The exhibitor number, class number, and class description should be written neatly on the outside of the bag or written on a small index card inserted into the bag. This can be determined by show committees. The exhibitor's name and/or animal identifier should NEVER appear on the entry or it is to be disqualified.