Some wool has a really soft hand, almost squishy. Other wool has a rather "crisp" feel to it. I have processed tons of crisp wool that had a rather long staple and moderate to little crimp - without any excess takeup or "shrinkage". I'd say that the crimp of the wool influences its behavior on and off the loom more than whether it is crisp of soft.
Sara von Tresckow The Woolgatherers, Fond du Lac, WI Visit Us Here: http://www.woolgatherers.com
