This fiber comes from France.

Merino sheep were created in the 12th century when the Spanish royalty began crossing Beni-Merines rams, imported from Morocco, with their best sheep. This cross created a fine fleece like no other known at the time, and was named "Merino" after the African tribe where the rams originated. The Spanish continued refining this breed until they held a monolopy on the European wool market, outlawing the exporation of merino sheep until the 1800's when Spanish monarchs began gifting sheep to their relatives in other European courts.

Merino first made its entrance into North America in 1793.