The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Food & crafts => Crafts => Topic started by: arumba on November 05, 2012, 01:05:28 pm

Title: fleece
Post by: arumba on November 05, 2012, 01:05:28 pm
hi all  :wave:
im new to this site and im just starting to learn to spin so Im looking for lots of helpful information please  :)

ok I have a few questions

1. where can I buy any  breed but reasonably priced of raw fleece from
2. having washed the fleece do i then card it before spinning
3. Does anyone know of any spinning groups in the north east of UK ie Middlesbrough - Durham area or withing 30 miles from these areas I am so desperate to join a group near me

ok I think thats enough questions to start with I am so excited  :excited: and wanting to get spinning you can also email me on arumba05@yahoo.co.uk

thanks   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: Bionic on November 05, 2012, 01:11:29 pm
Hi and welcome arumba  :wave:
You can buy fleece on ebay or, if you aren't in a hurry wait for the various wool festivals next year. They always have fleece for sale.
You will definitely find it easier to spin if carded first, particularly if you are a new spinner.
Sorry I'm not in your area so don't know of any local spinning groups. Have you googled?
Sally
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: Fleecewife on November 05, 2012, 02:30:04 pm
A really good way to buy fleece is through the British Coloured Sheep Breeders Association.  Sorry I don't have their web address to hand but just google them.  The BCSBA is an organisation set up specifically to put smallscale producers and buyers of fleece (not just coloured) and wool products in touch with eachother.  They have a strict code for the quality of fleece offered so you can avoid the risk of buying sight unseen as you necessarily have to do when buying via the internet.
 
Just off to put the tups in with the ewes for their annual funfest and I will come back to say hello  :) :wave:
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: Ina on November 05, 2012, 02:33:39 pm
Shame you are so far south of me (I thought you were local as you said NE UK - but where you are that's way down south to me ;D ); I have a few fleeces I want to get rid of, but I don't know whether they are still any good, because they've been around for a while, so I don't think I would chance paying out a lot for postage...
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: FiB on November 05, 2012, 02:39:35 pm
Hi Arumba and welcome- I have been pointed at Ravelry by the wise ones of this forum - its a maze, but wonderful!!!  I think you can buy fleece from some of the members there and you can seaarch for groups and fellow spinners local to you by postcode ;D . 
I have 15 raw Beulah fleeces from my sheep  - they are a mountain breed, but these first lamb fleeces seem quite fine to me (mind you I am a beginer too!!!), medium legth and some crimp (must try to classify more accurately!) .  I'm happy to sell on eor two - make me an offer for postage and a contribution to shearing if of interest....  And good luck!  Now Ive started I cant wait to try different breeds too (one of my neighbours has saved me some Alpaca, so looking forward to that!!!).  Cheers, Fi
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 05, 2012, 02:49:04 pm
Hi arumba  :wave:  from one of the North of England spinners in the group  ;D

Your nearest known spinner is Mammyshaz, I'm sure she'll be along soon to tell you more.

Mammyshaz and I both go occasionally to a really friendly group in Stanhope, Co, Durham.  That's every Weds 11:30 - 3:30pm in the Town Hall in Stanhope.  If you want to go along, PM me and I'll put you in touch with the lady who runs it.

There's a Durham Guild, Mammyshaz can tell you more about them.  The other Guild nearish to you is Tynedale, who meet in Stocksfield, east of Hexham, on the third Saturday of the month.

I have a little group over my side of the country, 2nd Friday of the month, 1-5pm Gilsland Village Hall.  Next one is this Friday, you would be very welcome.  Mammyshaz usually does come across for it, as do quite a few of the members of the Stanhope group.

There's also a group of Travelling Spinners who meet on the first Saturday of each month in varied locations around and about in Northumberland and nearby.  Last Saturday they were near Morpeth, October they were in Allendale; I can't remember where December's meeting is.  Are you on Ravelry?  They have a group on there.

I suspect our paths will cross sometime soon  ;D

Oh!  And the Stanhope group have access to all kinds of fibre and fleeces, including some of my fleece  :)   Don't be in a rush to buy raw fleece until you get a bit further along ;)



edited to correct details of Stanhope group
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: quiltycats on November 05, 2012, 03:16:00 pm
Its such a shame you just missed the Masham sheep fair, which has a good fleece stall. (Masham Sheep Fair is held last weekend in September)

I'm new to spinning too though not new to sheep. ...sadly most groups are too far away from me to join in with. 
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 05, 2012, 03:28:32 pm
Its such a shame you just missed the Masham sheep fair, which has a good fleece stall. (Masham Sheep Fair is held last weekend in September)

I'm new to spinning too though not new to sheep. ...sadly most groups are too far away from me to join in with.

There really is no shortage of fleece  in our area!

How far 'oop North' is it you are, quiltycats?  Two of the most common things said on Ravelry are, "There are no spinning police", and, "Everyone always says there are no spinning groups nearby - and there nearly always are."
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: quiltycats on November 05, 2012, 03:48:14 pm
Naturally I am in the prettiest bit  :innocent:
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: arumba on November 05, 2012, 05:26:54 pm
THANK YOU ALL  for replying back to me with a mind full of information oh my what lovely helpful people you all are I will try and get back to you all but if I dont I just want to say THANK YOU !
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 05, 2012, 05:42:02 pm
Naturally I am in the prettiest bit  :innocent:
Well then we must be neighbours  :-J :eyelashes:  :D

I guess it depends how far you are prepared to travel - I travel up to 40 miles for my spin-ins.  The groups I go to are :
(I don't do the weekly meets every week, probably once a month.)

Three of us from around here go to Stanhope, one regularly (weekly); three people come 40 miles or more to Gilsland...

Sociable folks, spinners!  ;D
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: arumba on November 05, 2012, 05:58:26 pm
Hi Sally

is that Bishop Aukland way? could you give me a postcode please looks  like I may meet you there lol I live in Stockton on Tees at the moment on a wednesday i look after my 2 granddaughters but that is going to change soon to a Tuesday so when it does I will come along
Thank You x


author=SallyintNorth link=topic=28940.msg287882#msg287882 date=1352126944]
Hi arumba  :wave:  from one of the North of England spinners in the group  ;D

Your nearest known spinner is Mammyshaz, I'm sure she'll be along soon to tell you more.

Mammyshaz and I both go occasionally to a really friendly group in Stanhope, Weardale.  That's every Weds 11:30 - 3:30pm in the Village Hall in Stanhope.  If you want to go along, PM me and I'll put you in touch with the lady who runs it.

There's a Durham Guild, Mammyshaz can tell you more about them.  The other Guild nearish to you is Tynedale, who meet in Stocksfield, east of Hexham, on the third Saturday of the month.

I have a little group over my side of the country, 2nd Friday of the month, 1-5pm Gilsland Village Hall.  Next one is this Friday, you would be very welcome.  Mammyshaz usually does come across for it, as do quite a few of the members of the Stanhope group.

There's also a group of Travelling Spinners who meet on the first Saturday of each month in varied locations around and about in Northumberland and nearby.  Last Saturday they were near Morpeth, October they were in Allendale; I can't remember where December's meeting is.  Are you on Ravelry?  They have a group on there.

I suspect our paths will cross sometime soon  ;D

Oh!  And the Stanhope group have access to all kinds of fibre and fleeces, including some of my fleece  :)   Don't be in a rush to buy raw fleece until you get a bit further along ;)
[/quote]
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: arumba on November 05, 2012, 06:08:02 pm
Hi Ina  :wave:

we are classed as living in the north east but I suppose it depends where your from lol where are you actually from then Ina? How long do fleeces last?

Thanks  :thumbsup:


Shame you are so far south of me (I thought you were local as you said NE UK - but where you are that's way down south to me ;D ); I have a few fleeces I want to get rid of, but I don't know whether they are still any good, because they've been around for a while, so I don't think I would chance paying out a lot for postage...
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: arumba on November 05, 2012, 06:12:13 pm
Hi Fleecewife  :wave:

Thank you for the the British Coloured Sheep Breeders Association site ive been on it will have a godd look later this evening  :thumbsup:

A really good way to buy fleece is through the British Coloured Sheep Breeders Association.  Sorry I don't have their web address to hand but just google them.  The BCSBA is an organisation set up specifically to put smallscale producers and buyers of fleece (not just coloured) and wool products in touch with eachother.  They have a strict code for the quality of fleece offered so you can avoid the risk of buying sight unseen as you necessarily have to do when buying via the internet.
 
Just off to put the tups in with the ewes for their annual funfest and I will come back to say hello  :) :wave:
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: jaykay on November 05, 2012, 06:13:15 pm
Hi, you've been given lots of good meeting up info so I'll just chip in on the fleece front.

Personally I'd buy prepared tops for now, while you're learning. It's a whole extra ballgame to prepare fleece yourself and if not done brilliantly, makes spinning harder.

Wingham Wool Work (http://www.winghamwoolwork.co.uk/6-wool) is a great place to buy all sorts of different prepared tops from (they sell all sorts of other things, but I'd start with wool, it's much easier to learn with). Corriedale is a nice wool to learn with, merino not so easy but nice and soft once you've got going. Shetland and Blue Faced Leicester are both lovely, easy to spin and soft.

You posted while I was typing.
Fleeces, once washed, if stored in cool and airy conditions, will last for years. If put away in plastic bags, unwashed, they attract moths and deteriorate quickly.
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: arumba on November 05, 2012, 06:18:17 pm
Hi Fi  :wave:

i have just joined Ravelry today weird you should mention it we must be in tune with each other lol  :thumbsup: anyway I havent clue how much to offer you for postage and shearing could you private message me at   arumba05@yahoo.co.uk Thanks again for your help  :thumbsup:

Hi Arumba and welcome- I have been pointed at Ravelry by the wise ones of this forum - its a maze, but wonderful!!!  I think you can buy fleece from some of the members there and you can seaarch for groups and fellow spinners local to you by postcode ;D . 
I have 15 raw Beulah fleeces from my sheep  - they are a mountain breed, but these first lamb fleeces seem quite fine to me (mind you I am a beginer too!!!), medium legth and some crimp (must try to classify more accurately!) .  I'm happy to sell on eor two - make me an offer for postage and a contribution to shearing if of interest....  And good luck!  Now Ive started I cant wait to try different breeds too (one of my neighbours has saved me some Alpaca, so looking forward to that!!!).  Cheers, Fi
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 05, 2012, 07:32:56 pm
Hi Sally

is that Bishop Aukland way? could you give me a postcode please looks  like I may meet you there lol I live in Stockton on Tees at the moment on a wednesday i look after my 2 granddaughters but that is going to change soon to a Tuesday so when it does I will come along
Thank You x

Yes, Stanhope is Co. Durham not Weardale, my mistake.  The Town Hall postcode is given as DL13 2TS but in fact DL13 2ND is nearer - it's on Front St (the main road, the A689) between Cross St and Cross Hill.

Title: Re: fleece
Post by: arumba on November 05, 2012, 08:41:47 pm
thanks Sally

ive found it on google maps is it held in the town hall? 
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: arumba on November 05, 2012, 08:51:04 pm
ok been new at this how many grams would i need to spin enough wool to make a mans jumper small size?
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: Lesley Silvester on November 05, 2012, 10:08:37 pm
 :wave: Hi and welcome.

You can also spin unwashed but carded fleece.  My ex and I used to have a spinning and weaving workshop and he preferred to spin unwashed fleece.  We then washed the spun wool.  You just have to make sure you washed your hands before eating as it tastes foul.   :roflanim:
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: Fleecewife on November 06, 2012, 01:26:05 am
ok been new at this how many grams would i need to spin enough wool to make a mans jumper small size?

That's one of those 'how long is a piece of string' questions.   It depends on how thickly you spin, and to some extent on the breed of fleece you use.
 
I would say that you are best to spin too much and if there's some left over then knit a beanie hat with it.
 
We had a discussion recently about what weight of wool you need for a jumper and the answers varied dramatically.  Of course with handspun, if you haven't spun enough then you just do some more, as long as you have enough fleece or tops.   I would allow about 500gm for a small man's jumper, but I would probably spin 600 gm just to be on the safe side.  Aran patterns take a lot more than plain stocking stitch.  :knit:
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: Fleecewife on November 06, 2012, 01:37:56 am
Hi Fleecewife  :wave:

Thank you for the the British Coloured Sheep Breeders Association site ive been on it will have a godd look later this evening  :thumbsup:

A really good way to buy fleece is through the British Coloured Sheep Breeders Association.  Sorry I don't have their web address to hand but just google them.  The BCSBA is an organisation set up specifically to put smallscale producers and buyers of fleece (not just coloured) and wool products in touch with eachother.  They have a strict code for the quality of fleece offered so you can avoid the risk of buying sight unseen as you necessarily have to do when buying via the internet.
 
Just off to put the tups in with the ewes for their annual funfest and I will come back to say hello  :) :wave:

I just had a look at the BCSBA website and am really disappointed that it hasn't been updated since 2009  ???    Does anyone know anything about what is happening with it?
 
Sorry arumba, it clearly is not currently a good place to buy fleece  :-[
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 06, 2012, 06:57:42 am
ive found it on google maps is it held in the town hall?
Yes, that's right, the Town Hall.

ok been new at this how many grams would i need to spin enough wool to make a mans jumper small size?
I think with handspun we normally talk in terms of yardage rather than weight - especially as beginners, when the thickness and denseness of our yarn varies quite a bit!  :D

When you wind your yarn off the bobbin onto the niddy noddy, count the full wraps of the niddy noddy.  Measure the length of the niddy noddy (between the arms), multiply that by 4 and add a couple of inches for the length of one wrap  :)

Title: Re: fleece
Post by: arumba on November 06, 2012, 08:38:33 am
thank you Fleecewife at least it gives me some idea how much yarn in weight to aim for I will always do extra to be on the safe side.  and yes I too was dissappointed a little with the wool web site xx

ok been new at this how many grams would i need to spin enough wool to make a mans jumper small size?

That's one of those 'how long is a piece of string' questions.   It depends on how thickly you spin, and to some extent on the breed of fleece you use.
 
I would say that you are best to spin too much and if there's some left over then knit a beanie hat with it.
 
We had a discussion recently about what weight of wool you need for a jumper and the answers varied dramatically.  Of course with handspun, if you haven't spun enough then you just do some more, as long as you have enough fleece or tops.   I would allow about 500gm for a small man's jumper, but I would probably spin 600 gm just to be on the safe side.  Aran patterns take a lot more than plain stocking stitch.  :knit:
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: arumba on November 06, 2012, 08:41:20 am
Thanks Sally for all your help I might see you at the spinners group sometime lol


ive found it on google maps is it held in the town hall?
Yes, that's right, the Town Hall.

ok been new at this how many grams would i need to spin enough wool to make a mans jumper small size?
I think with handspun we normally talk in terms of yardage rather than weight - especially as beginners, when the thickness and denseness of our yarn varies quite a bit!  :D

When you wind your yarn off the bobbin onto the niddy noddy, count the full wraps of the niddy noddy.  Measure the length of the niddy noddy (between the arms), multiply that by 4 and add a couple of inches for the length of one wrap  :)
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: quiltycats on November 06, 2012, 10:22:56 am
Naturally I am in the prettiest bit  :innocent:
Well then we must be neighbours  :-J :eyelashes:  :D

I guess it depends how far you are prepared to travel - I travel up to 40 miles for my spin-ins.  The groups I go to are :
  • Carlisle knitters (weekly) - c. 15 miles
  • Penrith (Eden Valley) Guild (monthly) - 35 miles
  • Stanhope Spinners (weekly) - 40 miles
  • Gilsland Fibre Fridays (monthly) - 1 mile  :)
(I don't do the weekly meets every week, probably once a month.)

Three of us from around here go to Stanhope, one regularly (weekly); three people come 40 miles or more to Gilsland...

Sociable folks, spinners!  ;D

Much as I'd love to be sociable   :eyelashes:...umm actually as a total recluse that bit might be a bit of fib :innocent: 3 hours driving for me is a bit of a non-starter for anything regular (that's there and back).  :gloomy:

I might insinuate myself in to the local knittist group  when they are not looking :idea:, what ??? you mean they might notice a wheel in the corner getting fluff on the carpet?  :o

Arumba, have a lovely time if you go to a meeting and report back  :wave:
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 06, 2012, 11:05:49 am
Much as I'd love to be sociable   :eyelashes:...umm actually as a total recluse that bit might be a bit of fib :innocent: 3 hours driving for me is a bit of a non-starter for anything regular (that's there and back).  :gloomy:

90 minutes?  I must have your location wrong then.

Anyways, I think I will be doing Stanhope to Richmond tomorrow afternoon so I'll be able to report back on that journey time and distance.  :)
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: quiltycats on November 06, 2012, 11:15:45 am
According to AA Autoroute anyway ..which with my driving is often reliable until I get lost   ;D

PM coming your way Sally
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 06, 2012, 11:27:17 am
According to AA Autoroute anyway ..which with my driving is often reliable until I get lost   ;D

PM coming your way Sally
Well the PM arrived safely!  :D  and I've replied.   :fc: we'll meet up sometime soon  :)
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 06, 2012, 11:32:48 am
Thanks Sally for all your help I might see you at the spinners group sometime lol

I think we can both bank on that  :thumbsup: :D
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: Mammyshaz on November 06, 2012, 10:15:36 pm
Hello arumba and welcome to TAS  :wave:
I've just been spinning for a couple of months so am at the very beginners stage of not a clue  :D I'm near Durham and attend the Stanhope guild on a Wednesday afternoon when I'm not working. And hoping to pop over to gilsland group too on  Friday.
The monthly guild at stocksfield, is good too, and on a Saturday so I can get there most meetings for at least a few hours.
The groups have been invaluable for me to learn the skills, the ladies are sooooo helpful and friendly.

Hopefully will see you at one or two of these. Oh and I'm on ravelry too, under the same name if you wish to add me as a friend  :sunshine:
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: arumba on November 07, 2012, 09:30:00 am
Hi Mammyshaz  :wave:

at the moment i cant get to the group on wednesdays as i look after my granddaughters but the day is going to change after new year so i will then defiantly be coming and look forward to meeting you all

I am currently waiting to buy a wheel off someone i think its an old wheel but going cheap as money is very tight at my end  :'(    but at least it will get me started spinning

I have so many ideas and things in my head i want to many but Baby steps first  :roflanim:
people have been so friendly on here especially the northeners  :roflanim: Ive added you to my freinds list no doubt i will be asking you all lots of questions and looking for advice
speak soon  :sunshine:
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 10, 2012, 10:54:52 pm
According to AA Autoroute anyway ..which with my driving is often reliable until I get lost   ;D

PM coming your way Sally
Well the PM arrived safely!  :D  and I've replied.   :fc: we'll meet up sometime soon  :)

So, quiltycats and I had a cappuccino together today - thanks QC, it was a very nice cuppa!  :wave: :)

She is, of course, as mad as a bag o' the things she quilts, so that was good  :thumbsup: ;D

And despite having driven to our rendezvous via Stanhope so I could tell her how far it was, all I was able to tell her was it would be less than xty mins - why couldn't they have told me they'd shut the road over the top when I was at the bottom and had a better choice of alternative routes?   ::) :rant: 

Never mind, it was a beautiful day for a drive through gorgeous countryside  :love: :tree: and always nice to meet fellow spinners, TASers, sheepkeepers, etc.

And the wheel I went over that way to pick up?  Dan, we need a one of these  :thumbsup:  - but the other way up.  :(  It would spin if it were fettled up, but there's quite a bit of woodwork and some metalwork to do to achieve that, no-one ever pays much for ones that have had to have that amount of remedial work, and the wood there is has a lot of wormholes in it. 

I'll be posting a query about woodworm somewhere, not sure where yet... ???
Title: Re: fleece
Post by: quiltycats on November 10, 2012, 11:49:58 pm


So, quiltycats and I had a cappuccino together today - thanks QC, it was a very nice cuppa!  :wave: :)

She is, of course, as mad as a bag o' the things she quilts, so that was good  :thumbsup: ;D



 :o I resemble that remark...It was good to meet up, though when Sally's first words were "I thought that must be you" as I arrived in the busy cafe, I did wonder if that means I look like my quilty cat avatar  :cat: hey that's one grumpy looking cat!!!  Nice to be able to witter chat about this spinning lark. Sounds like the wheel you collected will be keeping you out of mischief for a while Sally  ;)