Wool Study - Student Comments on Shetland

Wool Study - Student Comments on Rambouillet

WoolBit:

So what are some of the characteristics of wool you want to look for when going for a spinning fleece?

That is other than, oh that is so beautiful I just have to have it! :-) 

Have you noticed (I'm chuckling to myself since I fall into these categories) you have those who plan a project then look for fleece and those who look for fleece and then plan a project.  

So on to the characteristics:

1. Tensile Strength - how much tension can it take?
2. Elasticity - does it "boing" back after pullling on it?
3. Luster - putting it in simple terms, shiny longwools have less serrated scales duller fleeces have more serrated scales which breaks up light reflection.
4. Color
5. Staple Length
6. Micron Count - diameter of a fiber - generally the shorter the length the finer the diameter.
7. Softness/Pliability - depends on breed, climate, care, scaling of fiber
8. Crimp - finer wools generally have more crimp which increases the elasticity
9. Vegetable Matter
10. Moths/Mildew
11. And one I never thought of, its Hygroscopic(moisture) Quality - how much moisture will it hold - this is a good indicator of dye uptake.

Next WoolBit:  Classes of Fiber.

Information from Hands On Experience with various breed and research from books including Wool by Hart.

WoolBit:

WoolBit: 

Structure of Wool Fiber: There are three defined layers to a wool fiber.

1. The outside or epidermis.  The epidermis consists of the overlapping scales which give fiber their felting and spinning properties. 
2. The middle of the fiber is called the cortex which is defined by it's angular shaped elongated cells.  The cortex defines the elasticity and strength of the fiber. 
3. The medulla is the core of the fiber.  The core is the pathway to which the fiber received it's nourishment.

Wednesday's WoolBit:  What makes up the spinning qualities of fiber?

I am quite jocund today. I read the book: This Is How I Go When I Go Like This by Linda Collier Ligon. I felt like I was in her livingroom having a friendly chat, reminiscing and comparing stories.

Here is a tidbit of the book. Do you relate to this?

Quoted from: This Is How I Go When I Go Like This by Linda Collier Ligon

1. I will not buy any more little bits of fiber (unless they're really wonderful).


2. I will finish spinning each bunc of fiber before I proceed to another bunch (unless I can't help myself)


3. I will rearrange all my yarns and fibers, currently organized by color because they look so lovely that way, by utility. No more fuzzy mohair in with the dish-towel yarn (unless they look made for each other).


4. I will ruthlessly dispose of any yarn that i've had more than ten years and will surely never use (unless it has sentimental value).

Linda writes about her local spinning and weaving guild: "and found my local spinners' and weavers' guild, a hodgepodge of ages, backgrounds, lifestyles, skill levels, and tastes, all tied together with a tenuous thread of interest in an unusual and somewhat obsolete pursuit, that I felt the whole me was completely at home, completely accepted. The only thing the members of my guild had in common was a love of fiber and a love of potlucks."

Can you hear me chuckling LSWG guys and gals? Sound familiar?

And for the real smile breaker that I am 99.9% sure we have all done. "When I feel the urge to weave, I survey my hoard and, more often than not, go out and buy more." :-)

I really felt at home reading this book, and a rejuvenated inspiration to keep "passing it on"; the love of fiber arts, history, tradition, etc.

Definitely a recommended read.

Spring Planning

Visions of herbs and vegetable plants growing in the garden. Anise Hyssop, Chamomile, Oregano, Rosemary, Stevia, Chives......sun glowing down warming the earth. Sunshine warming my face......energizing my entire being...... The smell of fresh lavender wafting through the air.

Visions of sitting on wrap around porch of an estately sized victorian home near the ocean. Sun beams warming my being as I sit rocking and knitting with my friends. The sounds of waves lapping onto the beach, clicking needles, and the creaking of the rockers. The smell of salt water, lemons and wool. Comfort...peace.....friendship....

The stillness of winter, the white snow, warmth of the fireplace, enjoyed once again eventually to wake up and bloom again. The great circle of life. Each season to be savored for its own beauty...not to be rushed.

Woolen.....Worsted....Confused?

It's been a while since my last post. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. May the New Year see you healthy, happy, and prosperous. So Woolen....Worsted.... Let's keep it simple.....

• Worsted PREPARATION of fiber is "combing". Usually performed on longer stapled fibers. Fibers are kept in a parallel formation.
• Woolen PREPARATION of fiber is "carding". Usually performed on shorter stapled fibers. Fibers are NOT in complete parallel formation.
• Worsted SPUN or SPINNING - also known as the "Short Draw". Usually performed with longer stapled fibers or worsted PREPARED fibers.
• Woolen SPUN or SPINNING - also known as the "Long Draw" Usually performed with shorter stapled fibers or woolen PREPARED fibers.
• Worsted WEIGHT yarn - #4 - Medium Weight yarn. Most common WEIGHT yarn. For knitting: Needle US 7-9 Gauge 16-20sts/4" For Crochet: Hook I-9 to K-10 1/2 Gauge: 11-14 sts/4"

I use the word USUALLY when giving definition. I use it for the reason..........SPINNING though at one time very necessary as a way of life is also an ART form.

"Art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way to affect the senses or emotions. It encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations, and modes of expression, including music, literature, film, sculpture, and paintings. ..." Wikipedia

Be open to spinning freely.........spinno liberado......

Will speak on yarn weights here shortly. Have a great evening.

Hey I like that SPINNO LIBERADO!!!!!!!!!