[Fleecewife]

I don't usually buy fibre for spinning as I produce far too much.  However, I wanted to re-make my first ever handspun jumper, which was in Blue-faced Leicester tops.  I bought some BFL oatmeal at Woolfest and started spinning, but then I felt it was too pale, so I sent off to a different supplier (the original one didn't have a darker colour) for the darker shade, with a view to plying the two together to get a slightly darker heathery effect.
The new fibre arrived today and I started spinning.  However, the first thing I noticed was that the fleece has been poorly scoured as it carries a strong sheepy smell.  Next I realised that it isn't nearly as fine as the oatmeal tops.  When I do the 'palm test' I can barely feel the oatmeal on any part of my hand, but I can feel the darker shade all over my hand.  Visually it is coarser too.
 
I am not happy to ply the two together and I feel I have wasted my money.
 
Should I send the darker tops back and ask for my money back?  Is my complaint a genuine one or is BFL tops that variable?  I'm wondering if it even is BFL or if I have been sent the wrong breed.

[jaykay]

I'd send it back.

I suppose any breed's wool can vary but this hasn't been well prepared either. They need to hear you're disappointed and why - both reasons.

What a pain 

[SallyintNorth]

I'm very new to all this, but BFL prepared tops from a reputable supplier should be silky smooth shouldn't they?  I'd call them up and explain - very politely - your dissatisfaction.  They may send you your money back and not ask for the fibre back or they may send you something better - the worst they can do is agree to refund you if you return the fibre.

But, yes, what an absolute pain.  I hope you find what you need.

[Bionic]

Fleecewife,
I too am new to this but agree with Sally. 
The prepared tops I have are lovely and smooth and don't smell at all. I would expect a similar standard if I were buying more. Give them a call and explain
 
Sally

[Dans]

I third (or fourth I've lost count).

I bought a few BFL tops at woolfest from various suppliers and they were all lovely and soft. I felt a whole load more and did have any coarse ones.

It's worth at least sending an email.

Dans

[Fleecewife]

Thank you everyone, that was fairly unanimous 
 
So, I just phoned the supplier and they have said to send it back, to a freepost address, and they will refund.  I think I will send a specimen of the stuff I already have as a benchmark of what I was expecting.  I got the expected 'it's a natural product so it will vary with each animal', but as far as I'm concerned this is outside the acceptable variation. 
 
Now I'm too disenchanted to buy more by post, so it looks as if the yarn I'm spinning will be all oatmeal     Maybe I will dye one singles...........
 
This was one of the major suppliers, so I'm surprised to have been sent poor quality fibre, but perhaps they ran out of the good stuff at Woolfest.  Of course I should just have bought this second lot there too, but I couldn't make up my mind - she who hesitates is lost     What a dingbat I am