Introducing Great Southern Yarn: A Leading Producer of Australian Ethical Wool

At Fancy Yarns Australia, every yarn we bring into our collection has a story - a story that aligns with our values of sustainability, community, creativity and care. This month, we are incredibly proud to introduce a yarn that ticks every box: Great Southern Yarn.

Soft, sustainable and steeped in the rich heritage of Australian wool production, Great Southern Yarn is everything we believe yarn should be. But more than just its beautiful texture, what truly sets this yarn apart is the story of the people behind it and the purpose it carries in every stitch.

Who Are the Makers Behind Great Southern Yarn?

Great Southern Yarn is the passion project of Aleashia and Jarrad Kircher, a husband-and-wife team dedicated to showcasing the best of Australian Merino wool with a commitment to transparency, animal welfare and quality.

Their vision is simple yet powerful: to produce single-origin yarns of the highest standard, all while caring deeply for the environment, the animals and the crafters who use their fibres.

The wool for Great Southern Yarn comes exclusively from the Lyons family's sixth-generation farm near Dubbo, NSW, where SRS (Soft Rolling Skin) Merino sheep are ethically raised in a way that prioritises both health and humane treatment.

Jarrad and Aleashia’s philosophy matches ours at Fancy Yarns Australia: yarn isn’t just a product. It’s a connection to the land, to the makers and to each other.

Why Great Southern Yarn Aligns With Fancy Yarns Australia's Values

At Fancy Yarns Australia, we champion fibres that are more than beautiful to feel; they are made with purpose. Great Southern Yarn reflects the principles that guide everything we do:

• Sustainability: From the farm to the final skein, every step is designed to minimise environmental impact and honour the land.

• Ethical Production: The commitment to non-mulesed, carefully bred sheep ensures that animal welfare is never compromised for profit.

• Community and Connection: By working directly with Australian farmers and New Zealand processors, Great Southern Yarn fosters deep, meaningful connections across the fibre community in the ANZ region.

• Traceability: Every skein tells a story, and we believe every crafter deserves to know the journey of the yarn in their hands.

When you work with Great Southern Yarn, you're not just choosing a fibre. You're choosing a philosophy of mindful making.

What Is Mulesing — and Why Non-Mulesed Wool Matters

One of the most important aspects of Great Southern Yarn is its use of non-mulesed wool, thanks to the SRS Merino sheep. But what exactly is mulesing, and why is it such a crucial topic in the world of wool?

Mulesing is a practice where strips of skin are removed from around a sheep’s breech (rear) area to prevent flystrike, a potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic flies. Although intended as a preventative measure, there are different schools of thought on whether or not mulesing is an ethical practice.

Understandably, mulesing has become a highly controversial and emotional issue, especially for conscious consumers and crafters who want to know that the materials they use are cruelty-free.

The amazing thing about SRS Merino sheep is that they are naturally bred to have smoother, wrinkle-free skin, dramatically reducing the risk of flystrike without the need for painful procedures.

This breeding innovation means that Great Southern Yarn can offer non-mulesed Merino wool, protecting both the wellbeing of the sheep and the peace of mind of every crafter who chooses to work with it.

Why We Love Non-Superwash Wool

Another standout feature of Great Southern Yarn is that it is not superwash treated.

Superwash wool undergoes a chemical treatment to make it machine-washable, typically involving chlorine and resin coatings. While it offers convenience, the process can strip away some of the wool's natural qualities - its bounce, breathability and environmental biodegradability.

In contrast, non-superwash wool retains its natural character:

• It has better elasticity and memory, helping garments keep their shape beautifully.

• It allows for better moisture-wicking and breathability - perfect for garments worn close to the skin.

• It is more environmentally friendly, avoiding the harsh chemical treatments used in superwash processes.

• It gives projects a beautiful, organic finish with a softness that improves with every wear.

When you knit, crochet or weave with non-superwash wool like Great Southern Yarn, you’re experiencing wool as nature intended - full of life, texture and warmth. It's a sensory experience that reminds us why we fell in love with fibre arts in the first place.

The Importance of Local Processing in Australia and New Zealand

One of the things we love most about Great Southern Yarn is its commitment to local production. After shearing, the fleece is gently scoured in New Zealand and then spun at the renowned Design Spun Mill in Napier.

Keeping the processing within the Australia / New Zealand region offers several important benefits:

• Traceability: Every step of the yarn’s journey can be tracked, ensuring transparency and authenticity. You know exactly where your yarn came from and the faces behind it.

• Lower Environmental Impact: Local processing reduces transportation emissions and supports sustainable practices closer to home.

• Community Support: By keeping production within our region, Great Southern Yarn supports local farms, mills and communities, helping to sustain the traditions and knowledge that make Australian and New Zealand wool some of the finest in the world.

• Quality Control: Local processing ensures that the yarn maintains the highest standards at every stage from scouring to spinning to dyeing.

This level of care and connection is why we’re so proud to add Great Southern Yarn to our Fancy Yarns Australia family.

A Yarn That Inspires Creativity

Great Southern Yarn is currently available in a beautiful 4ply base, featuring a range of hand-dyed colourways inspired by Australian landscapes and artists. From rich earthy solids to playful variegated skeins, there’s something to ignite every crafter’s imagination.

Each skein showcases the wool's natural bounce, softness and drape, perfect for projects like:

• Lightweight sweaters and cardigans

• Soft, cozy shawls and wraps

• Delicate accessories like hats and mitts

• Baby knits and heirloom pieces

Because it’s non-superwash, Great Southern Yarn blooms wonderfully after a gentle hand wash and block, giving your finished pieces a soft, polished look that only gets better with time.

A New Standard for Ethical Wool

At Fancy Yarns Australia, we believe that what we craft with matters. Great Southern Yarn embodies everything we love about fibre:

• Care for the earth

• Respect for animals

• Support for local communities

• Celebration of creativity and craftsmanship

We couldn’t be prouder to offer this beautiful, meaningful yarn to our community. It’s a reminder that every project we make - every stitch, every loop, every finished piece - can be a powerful expression of our values, our care and our connection to the world around us.

Ready to create with purpose? Discover the unmatched softness, ethical sourcing and creative possibilities of Great Southern Yarn today.

Shop Great Southern Yarn here.