Ashford fibers are from New Zealand sheep. Wool from pasture-fed Corriedale sheep. New Zealand shepherds take great pride in the quality of their wool and the high standard of animal husbandry. The sheep are well cared for and are not mulesed. After the sheep are shorn, on the farm, the wool is carefully skirted and checked. Only wool that is sound, clean with good fiber length is selected. It is scoured (washed) using an environmentally-friendly, biodegradable detergent.  The fiber is then gently opened and conditioned. Carding machines align the fibers and remove any foreign matter. It is then gilled and combed.