Working with Wool: Working Hard

luvmypets

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So pumped to announce that I will be making my own yarns/wool products. Its a total WIP but I have big plans. So as most of you know I have sheep and alpacas. I took a four week spinning class in august which was fabulous! I got to borrow a spinning wheel and I learned how to spin different kinds of wool, as well as other fibers like silk, mohair and alpaca. I also learned how to blend shorter fibers with longer fibers. Then a few weeks ago I learned how to knit, I will be taking some of my yarn from my class and making something soon. Also I will be taking a natural dyeing class in november.
One of my old teachers used to own sheep and she has all kinds of equipment. She even said I can borrow her drum carder! :celebrate

I had often thought Rosie had a not so nice fleece, but I brought it to my class and the women said it had a lovely crimp! I learned Rosie is a southdown/miniature cheviot cross. Her fleece in so soft, I mixed it with some washed romney(for extra length) and it spun so beautifully. Last night I took a big chunk of her fleece and washed it. I will be taking it out and drying it shortly.
 

luvmypets

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Here is my first batch of....CLEAN WOOL! This is rosie's fleece from last year. It didn't completely whiten out, but it should be good after carding.
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So I learned to pick the fleece for excess debris, my first batch is nice but not perfect. Here is my picking pile.
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mysunwolf

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This is so cool! I know nothing about it and so pretty much give away my raw wool. I'll be following to see what neat projects you create...
 

luvmypets

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Got another batch of wool done! I'm so excited, can't wait for it to dry so I can spin it. Though I would actually need a wheel in order to do that. :hide
Look at how fine the crimp is :love
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My first batch is done, so fluffy, i couldn't stop playing with it!
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Also got some alpaca in the wash for tonight, big things are coming :D
 

Baymule

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There is a spinning group in the next county, only 9 miles away..... I stay away because I know it will trigger a whole new set of problems, like wool sheep, spinning wheel, time to care/do it all that I need to spend building fence, shelter, feed/tack room.....plant grass, stack hay, and on and on.
 

Mini Horses

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In my area there was a CL listing for 5 or 6 Angora goats for sale. Well, I looked hard and decided I'd need to wash and shave them!!

Problem was that they looked soooooo dirty and messy in the pics that I would never have bought them. Not into the wools but, do enjoy hearing from those who have the patience to do this. I don't knit or crochet but appreciate the talent.

I have done a lot of needlepoint and embroidery as well as extensive seamstress work. Ahhh, the prom & wedding dresses I have made. LOL Yes, I have a LOT of fabrics. Soon you will have unreal amounts of spun wool. The desire to "make more" is an addiction. :cool: Enjoy it.

Of course, we expect pics of some finished projects.:clap
 

NH homesteader

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This is very cool! My aunt has promised to teach me how to spin wool soon. Fortunately for my poor husband I am happy to buy wool. I have no interest in keeping wool sheep or goats. An alpaca or two however is in my future!

Glad you're sharing pictures!
 

norseofcourse

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Glad you're having so much fun! You can make a drop spindle with a piece of dowel and a couple of CD's - google 'make a CD drop spindle' . Spinning on a drop spindle is not as fast as a wheel, but it's more portable and you can get a lot done. I'ts much less expensive, too. You can make several drop spindles and have several projects going with different wools at the same time, too.

I got my first wheel off craigslist for under $100 but still like spinning on my drop spindles.
 

luvmypets

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Glad you're having so much fun! You can make a drop spindle with a piece of dowel and a couple of CD's - google 'make a CD drop spindle' . Spinning on a drop spindle is not as fast as a wheel, but it's more portable and you can get a lot done. I'ts much less expensive, too. You can make several drop spindles and have several projects going with different wools at the same time, too.

I got my first wheel off craigslist for under $100 but still like spinning on my drop spindles.
I was debating getting a drop spindle, but I don't have the patience :hide
 

luvmypets

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Alpaca fleece is out and drying!
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Second half of Rosie's wool is being washed

Here is the first half! For a small sheep she sure has lots of wool
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The lighting makes it look yellow, but I assure you it is white :)
 
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