Natasha ([info]need_pins_les) wrote in [info]handspinning,
@ 2008-05-02 08:46:00
Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Conditioning?
Okay, so as some of you may remember, I made a post not too terribly long ago with the question of what specifically is "wool top" and what makes it different from, say, roving. Thanks all, btw, for the answers, they were very helpful. So, it finally came in the mail yesterday! It's a very pretty shade of grey (and she even threw in some mystery black fiber that I have yet to figure out wtf it is), but it is certainly scratchier than I thought it would be. Not that I'm terribly disappointed or anything, I did, after all, only pay $5 for 4 oz., but I wouldn't mind trying to make it a bit softer.

I'd heard that using conditioner works well, but I am worried about the felting. Are there any other recommendations people have? I recall an old post answering a question similar to mine, but can't remember what it said. If someone could either post the link, or give any sort of helpful advice, I'd be most appreciative. I'm looking to not have to buy something I might not already have, though if it's the be-all and end-all of wool softener, I might just.

Thanks in advance!

(Post a new comment)


[info]alittlequacky
2008-05-02 03:57 pm UTC (link)
What it comes down to is some wool is scratchier then others, all the treatment in the world won't make scratchy wool as soft as merino.

That said, spin it first. The way you spin it will help determine how lofty as well as scratchy as it will be. At that point you can determine if you want to try using a conditioned in your rinse.

Play with it a bit, it might not be that bad once it's spun up.

(Reply to this)

[info]dognotspicy
2008-05-02 04:05 pm UTC (link)
If I get a "scratchy" wool, I'll blend it with other softer fibres, like Merino or alpaca. It doesn't completely take the scratch out of it, but it does make a nice difference in overall feel.

I have used hair conditioner when I go to set twist after the yarn has been plyed. To be honest I can't say there is too much of a difference other than to give the yarn a lovely fragrance, LOL.

Agitation, extreme change in temp-- those things are going to send you down felt city. As long as you avoid those thing (unless you're fulling a plyed yarn) you ought not get felting. Also, as you probably know, some wools felt easier than others.

But as alittlequacky said, play with it a bit and see how you like it.

(Reply to this)

[info]lady_ceres
2008-05-02 04:07 pm UTC (link)
Spin it first, and then when you're soaking the yarn to set the twist, add white vinegar to the water. Acids will cause the scales in wool to lie down. It still won't be as soft as merino, but it should help the final product feel smoother.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

[info]dognotspicy
2008-05-02 06:43 pm UTC (link)
OOooh, didn't know that trick with the vinegar. I'm going to give it a try! Good tip! :-D

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

[info]dulcinbradbury
2008-05-02 07:42 pm UTC (link)
Works on human hair too. :)

(Reply to this)(Parent)

[info]stripey_cat
2008-05-06 04:11 pm UTC (link)
I'd just work with the wool - I assume it's something relatively coarse. How long a staple? Anyway, how about semi-worsted spinning it, then using it for something like a rug or a bodywarmer, rather than trying to make it be something it's not. Try samples in different styles, and wash them all up to see how it goes. By the way, as a rule of thumb, coarse wools tend to felt much less easily than fine ones, so you should be OK washing it either spun or unspun, unless you really abuse it.

(Reply to this)

Create an Account
Forgot your login?
Login w/ OpenID
English • Español • Deutsch • Русский…