Basic Merino types include: strong (broad) wool 23–24.5 microns, medium wool is 19.6–22.9 Microns, fine 18.6–19.5 microns, superfine 15–18.5 microns and ultra fine 11.5–15 Microns.
If the Cheviot is on the lower end of its micron count and the Merino is on the higher end of its micron count then they would be very similar.
I am planning to build a skirting table here soon. Then I will really be able to start going through that Shetland. I'd like to get that done before I get any more.
There is a fiber festival coming up in May that I fully intend to go to. And I'll be posting in craigslist soon in hopes of buying a few different types of fleece to work with.
So if anyone has a fleece or two they want to sell in March, April or May I will likely be interested in buying. Just no Shetland. I have more than enough of that. And will be willing to trade in the spring when I get this years shearing. I would hate to trade what I have now because there is some felting going on in some of it.