The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: mijbil on June 07, 2013, 06:58:05 am

Title: Fleece processing
Post by: mijbil on June 07, 2013, 06:58:05 am

I've sheared my two herdwicks, and have a couple of kilos of wool, which I would like to put to good use. Not having the skills or patience to spin it myself, does anyone know where I can send it to be turned into a more useable product, or products? I know this may cost more than it is worth, however it is the principle of minimal waste from the animals which I am more interested in.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Fleece processing
Post by: SallyintNorth on June 07, 2013, 08:34:35 am

You could try this lady (http://www.skybluepink-designs.com/jennie-howes-hand-spun-yarns.html); I just heard about her on Ravelry as she'll be at Woolfest - let us know how you get on!

Title: Re: Fleece processing
Post by: Fleecewife on June 07, 2013, 01:10:08 pm

I have a Herdwick jumper - you really don't want it next to your skin  :roflanim:
 
One thing you could make is a floor rug which would be hardwearing and thick.  The fleece wouldn't be spun but could be woven straight from the fleece on a peg loom.  For that you would just need some string for warp and a peg loom, easy to make from a 3x3 balk with holes drilled in and pegs made of dowelling.  There will be Utube clips to show you how, I'm sure.
 
You could even knit it direct without spinning, just by drawing the fleece out into rovings then giving the roving a turn at each stitch as you knit.  Use giant needles, or a giant crochet hook and make a pet bed or two.  :knit: :knit: :knit:

Title: Re: Fleece processing
Post by: woollyval on June 07, 2013, 05:41:15 pm

Herdwick fleece is like brillo pads....Its a hardwearing carpet wool, not intended for wearing  :roflanim: However it makes fantastic wadding in a padded jacket or dog bed or pegloomed into a rug  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Fleece processing
Post by: mijbil on June 09, 2013, 09:20:11 am

Thanks for all the tips!

Title: Re: Fleece processing
Post by: jaykay on June 09, 2013, 10:00:19 am

Halifax Mill (http://www.halifaxspinningcompany.co.uk/index.html) will take it and return it as yarn. Then you could weave yourself a rug, or find someone who would.

I'm just contacting them regarding sending them my 26 variously coloured Shetland fleeces, for the first time. I want it back as roving, to spin myself, this time, though I might find out about spinning too, so I could go straight to weaving/knitting.

Title: Re: Fleece processing
Post by: woollyval on June 09, 2013, 05:55:15 pm

Halifax mill will charge the same for Shetland or Herdwick and there is a slight difference in quality...... :-\