not doing something right...

[macfoo]

Is there anyway I can rescue a pile of raw fiber? I have some short fiber wool that I just got (to try and learn how to spin). In drafting some of it, I've gotten it to .. well its in pretty sorry shape and remains one big pile of attempts to pre-draft it into something usable.

[MullersLaneFarm]

Raw fiber, as in unwashed? What is the lock staple length?

 

Ideally, you should 'scour' the locks in hot water to remove at least the dirt before you spin.

 

If you are trying to spin 'in the lock', then just a couple flicks with a comb on each end should loosen the lock enough to draft and spin it.

 

If it still has the lanolin, make sure you are spinning in a warm place so the lanolin will let the lock structure 'glide'.

 

With your big pile of fluff, I'd just grab a handful and start spinning! sure, you'll get lumpy, bumpy ART yarn, but those are great yarns!

[macfoo]

Thanks!!! I took a whack at my pile of fibers on my drop spindle... I'm impressed and I'm also in love...

[MullersLaneFarm]

Yay!!! That is some good looking yarn!!

[clocke]

Drop spindles are cool. I like the portability.