Describe the processing of wool from fleece to yarn. Add its properties and uses.

1. 1 · Open in two lines. Wool is a natural protein (keratin) fibre from the fleece of sheep. It is valued for warmth, resilience and absorbency.
2. 2 · Draw the fibre and the process. [Diagram: wool fibre with overlapping scales; flow chart: shearing → sorting → scouring → carbonising → carding → (combing) → spinning]
3. 3 · Preparing the fleece.
   • Shearing: fleece clipped once or twice a year.
   • Sorting and grading by fineness and length.
   • Scouring with soap and soda ash; lanolin recovered.
   • Carbonising with dilute acid removes plant matter.
4. 4 · Making yarn.
   • Oiling and carding give sliver; woollen yarn is spun from it.
   • Combing removes noils for smooth worsted yarn.
5. 5 · Properties.
   • Scales and crimp; warmest natural fibre.
   • Highest regain, feels dry.
   • Weak, weaker wet; excellent resiliency.
   • Felts and shrinks; harmed by alkali and chlorine; moths attack.
6. 6 · Uses. Sweaters, shawls, suits, blankets, carpets, felts; pashmina and Kullu shawls.
7. 7 · Daily-life link. Wash in lukewarm water without rubbing; store with neem leaves; safer near heaters than acrylic.
8. 8 · Close in one line. Wool's warmth and spring come from its scaly, crimped protein fibre, which also needs gentle care.

Scoring tip: Draw the scaly fibre: it explains both warmth and felting, and saves you words.