Wool Combing ~ Love Ewe Farm's Romney, Mr. Bates
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2018
- Video #4 in the series following the journey of Mr. Bates' fleece through all of the steps in hand processing to get a finished item from a raw fleece!
Feel free to post a comment and let me know what you think of the video and ask any questions you like !
To purchase Valkyrie combs: valkyrietools.com
My website: thenaturalspinner.com
To contact me directly, please send email to: thenaturalspinner@yahoo.com
Find me on Ravelry: TheNaturalSpinner
If you’d like to see things I’ve made to sell, check out my Etsy Shop:
www.etsy.com/shop/TheNaturalS...
For some older blog posts: kimberlysheirloomcrafts.blogsp...
If you would like ‘in person’ help, I’d be happy to Facetime/Zoom/Skype with you, just email to set up a time.
Periodically I offer classes on fleece selection, combing and spinning. Check my website for the current list of offerings. If you, your guild, or someone you know is interested in having me come and teach, please send me an email.
-Kimberly ☺
I know, it's been a while since my last video and I'm really sorry to those of you who have been waiting...life is hectic, I don't know what else to say. I'm going to really try harder to do the next one sooner than later.
I have missed your videos! Thank you for taking the time. It IS appreciated. Also, your voice is quite soothing.
Thank you! It makes me feel like it's not a waste of my time to do them when I read comments like yours :)
-Kimberly
I love your philosophy on many things!
I could sit and watch you go through the stages of fleece to fibre all day 😄 Its s so helpful when you are taking your first baby steps into this stunning craft. x
I’ve just found your channel, but what artistry! It’s a pleasure to watch you work. I love your technique for getting ‘ALL’ the gold! 🧡
Thank you : )
Hi Kimberly, you helped me look at a Corriedale fleece yesterday at thr CFF and we talked about combing the fiber. This was an outstanding video for technique, thank you so much. It was also really helpful to see how you are organizing the various stages of prep and I love the table set up. Thank you for sharing!🧶 Cher
Thank you! It's so nice to meet other fleece enthusiasts! I've subscribed to your channel : )
@@thenaturalspinner yes, I met several wonderful makers and shepherdesses Saturday as well as finding some new resources. Thank you much for checking out the channel. 🧶
You are so calming❤
Thank you : )
You combing station is cozy looking. Life gets hectic, I know. Whenever you make a video, I'll be here. No pressure :) love your videos.
Glad you enjoy the videos! I am working on posting more. Stay tuned! -Kimberly
I love that you shared the various ways you work with the “waste”. I’ve never seen this shown before. Excellent video 😍 Thanks
Glad you liked it!
I just found your chanel. I don't do sheeps and do not do all the things you do, I just knit 😁. But it is so relaxing and informative watching you. Love your Videos, great job. Hope Mr. Bates is not freezing without his coat 😂Greetings from Germany.
Thanks for your comment! Glad you are finding them relaxing :)
I just found your video and enjoy the freedom you express in "it is okay to do whatever feels comfortable for you". The fiber is beautiful! 😍
Hi! Thanks for the comment : ) Working with fiber shouldn't feel like 'work'. Everyone has their own unique happy place in what they do with fiber. -Kimberly
Still love the artful combing with your fluid movements. It's been quite a while since I last watched and glad that your video came up on my feed. Very enjoyable to watch. Very close to how I comb.
Thanks for Sharing! I love your simple method for limiting the "waste" fiber by utilizing multiple passes and tools!
Fiber is precious and I hate wasting it, especially the more expensive, high quality fleeces!
Your videos are fantastic and I'm SO glad to have found this fiber prep series in particular. Thank you!
Thanks! Now if I can just get to finishing the series! I'm working on it. -Kimberly
Another great video--thanks! Your videos are my go-to favorites. They started me on the journey of learning about and appreciating different fibers from the beginning to the end.
Debbi, So nice of you to say! Comments like yours help to keep me motivated to continue on making more videos (I'm just not very fast at it, LOL). -Kimberly
I love the way you teach/explain. It makes it very easy to understand. Especially for beginners.
Thank you, I do try to make it easy : ) -Kimberly
Loved seeing your process for combing! Can't wait to see your next video!
Thank you! I'll try and get it done sooner than later :) Thanks for your comment! -Kimberly
Just wanted to say thanks for the new video. I always appreciate seeing your technique and the tips and tricks you throw in. Your videos made me want to tackle my first fleece. I'm in a lot deeper now, lol. I've come to enjoy learning about the different breeds and their fleece characteristics. I have a lot more to learn, but thanks for getting me started!
You are so very welcome and I'm glad you found it helpful. My main reason for sharing is to inspire and help people along their fiber journey. Thanks so much for posting! -Kimberly
Thanks so much for this series of instructional videos on Mr Bates fleece, taking it from start to finish. I"m washing locks before combing and you answered my question why, ie greater yield. Thanks for explaining that.
I'm glad it helped you! - Kimberly
I have learned a lot from you about combing the wool and dizzing it. The variegated wool is wonderful! Linda Bates
That makes me feel good that you have gotten something from the videos! Variegation is one of the reasons I love natural colored wool so much! -Kimberly
Love the demonstration. I do the same thing you do so it is cool to see someone else who combs and cards similar to my method. Thank you for taking the time to show this.
It is my pleasure. I enjoy sharing in the hopes that it may help or inspire someone! Thank YOU for leaving a comment :) -Kimberly
I really enjoyed revisiting this cast, it's always helpful to do a bit of revision. Thank you.
Jenny(NZ)
Really enjoyed your videos. Thank you for sharing. Learned a ton of good stuff! Hope you are doing well and enjoying all your beautiful fiber.
That's wonderful that you are enjoying them!! My room full of raw fleeces and the other fibers all over the house make me very happy! I'd hardly ever leave home if I didn't have to...unless there's a festival to go to where I can buy more fleece!! ; ) Thank you! -Kimberly
It’s a joy watching you process the fleeces through all the steps. I love the feel of the fleece as I prepare it. But I am a cosmetologist by trade.
Fiber has a calming affect on me! If I’ve had a stressful day and I can find the time and energy to sit down and comb or spin, I find I feel much better :)
Thank you for posting your comment. -Kimberly
These videos were a pleasure to watch. I will now be on the lookout for the plastic baskets and trays! I have a drum carder, but now may SERIOUSLY consider buying a hackel. I have picks, but they are not as finely spaced. The fleece from start to finish was just wonderful to watch. Learned so much! Thank you!
Claudia, The baskets come from the Dollar Tree. A hackle is a handy tool, to be sure! There are more videos to come in the series of Mr. Bates' fleece! I have to spin and knit it into a finished object...so look for those in the future : ) - Kimberly
Wow. You are meticulous with your fibre. I need to follow suit and stretch the amount of fibre I get out of one fleece. You are awesome. Always so happy when you come out with a new video. thanks for posting!
Francesca, Thank you for your comment, it’s so nice to hear that!!!
I do have fiber prep OCD...just a little, ya think ? LOL
I love reading such nice comments! -Kimberly
Great video! I am alot less worried about fussing with it now. You have made it easy to see the process. Thankyou.
Thank you!! :) I'm glad you like it!
This was an amazing series. I’m brand new to learning the process from sheep to yarn and I am enthralled 😃 I just came home with my first skirted and I am super excited 😁
How wonderful! A first fleece is really exciting! Good luck with it and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Email is a good way to reach me : )
Thank you! Beautiful !
You're welcome and Thank You! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Great video! Thank you for your help with my fleece at MDSW.
Thank you and you are so welcome! It's always a pleasure to enable the fleece joy! : ) -Kimberly
I love your videos. You make it all look like magic.
Thanks Elizabeth! It is magic ;-)
Shopping for combs, Valkrie sent me to your You Tube. I believe the Valkrie comes are right for me. Thank you.
Really enjoyed your video thanks for posting this.
I'm so glad! Thanks!! -Kimberly :)
Thank you so much for this video. It has been very helpful.
Happy to help! Thanks for posting. -Kimberly
This was really wonderful, thank you ♡
Glad you liked it! Thank YOU! :)
I am truely hooked to your videos came across you in my research to learning about making my own ply for crocheting and weaving I live in Cumbria on the west coast of northern England our local sheep are Herdwick these are a very hardy sheep that live through a lot of damp windy weather most of 5he year so my hope is to use locally sourced fleece from these sheep. Your videos are great and very informative thank you....now spending my wet Saturday afternoon watching all of your videos
Jo, I was in Cumbria in 2017 on holiday with my mother. A gorgeous area of the world! I'd like to get my hands on some raw Herdwick some day, just to experience it. Really happy that you are enjoying the videos! -Kimberly
TheNaturalSpinner I volunteer at a art centre, and a lady I work along side will be saving me raw Herdwick fleece this summer, I will definitely keep you in mind if your interested I can send you some over.
Fantastic tutorial, thank you!
Glad you liked it! Thank you :) -Kimberly
Beautiful.
Thank you.
I see that (if I understood correctly) that carding is not necessary to create a top.
I am brand new to the world of spinning and am trying to learn how to turn a fleece into top, so it can be spun.
Your video was very informative.
No, carding isn't a necessary step to create top. Combing (worsted) and carding (woolen) create two different fiber products. Top fibers are all parallel and carded fibers are intertwined. You can take roving (carded fiber) and comb it into top and you can take top and card it (if the staple isn't crazy long) to make rolags or roving. It's fun to play around with different types of preparation and see what results you get.
@@thenaturalspinner thank you so much.
😊
I would LOVE to see a long video of you combing, and spinning in the grease!!!!!
As much as I would like to accommodate your request, I am not inclined to spin raw wool. I don't like the idea of gumming up my equipment. Combs would probably be easy enough to clean, but not the wheel. It could be spun on a spindle, but again, it's just never been something I have wanted to do. There are several YT videos that demonstrate spinning in the grease. I hope you find them helpful.
-Kimberly
Gorgeous fiber!
Yes, it is! I’ve been trying to get my hands on his fleece from this year, but haven’t had much luck so far. He was sold last year after breeding. It’s isn’t the first time I’ve followed an animal from owner to owner to keep getting the fleece :) -Kimberly
Wanted to say that one of the things I have appreciated in your videos is that you show ways to use almost all the fibers you are processing. I see videos sometimes where the presenter pulls the first (or sometimes second) waste from the combs and casually says to just toss it away, as it has no use. I don't raise sheep, and purchase whole fleeces to process. Not an inexpensive hobby. I do re-comb my waste, usually through the 2nd waste I pull off. If the fiber left is just tangled and shorts, I have hand carded it also. What isn't something I'd want to make garments with goes into my bin of rug wool, and will become a roughly spun yarn for a semi-felted hearth rug for my old dogs. Anything that is really scrungy goes out as mulch on my plants. The only issue is that I have to keep reassuring the neighbor children that those woolly lumpy things around the plants aren't really dead critters. 😊 I like the concept of using everything possible for a purpose.
Yep, to me it's throwing good money away, when for just some added work, you get much more useable fiber out of a fleece. Not to say I'd do it on every single fleece, I wouldn't live long enough to do that. I just like knowing that I can get far more fleece turned into nice yarn, with a bit more time and effort :) For the fleeces I don't want to go the extra step of cloud making, I save it for my sister who likes to use it for stuffing and felting...so it really all does get used, even if not by me :)
Absolutely love the top you made and your technique. I was not pulling out locks to comb like you do. I'll do that with my next batch. I am using Jacob Black and White right now. I love the colors but I find I was getting short fibers at the end of my top while spinning and had difficulty controlling thickness.
Making the fibers parallel before attaching to the comb does help reduce waste...but even that can be further processed :)
Thanks for your comment! -Kimberly
I kept the waste and carded them to make rolags. Don't like those too well. But Im pretty new to spinning so my techniques are not well polished. I have an Irish Tension wheel and and traditional dual drive wheel. I like the Irish Tension wheel the best. Way easier to control.
If you have hand cards or even wide dog slicker brushes, you can clean up the waste to re-card it into clean rolags and spin those. They won't have all the waste junk in them and will make for a much nicer woolen yarn. Techniques do develop and improve over time. Good luck with your spinning!!
-Kimberly :)
Thanks, Just tried your technique. Does come out with a bit less waste. Not a whole lot of difference I was getting before but some. Enough to keep fine tuning the technique. Thanks again. :)
Most welcome!
БЛАГОДАРЮ!!! ❤❤❤
What a BEAUTIFUL CHANNEL!!! Thankyou for sharing all your knowledge.
I was wondering what is holding your comb to the table? It’s so sturdy.
Two types of conduit strapping. The table is dedicated for combing, so putting screws into it was ok. It's heavy to carry around, but I have taken it with me for years to festivals and events, for demonstrating.
This makes so much more sense. I mean the way you use the hacker
Hi Sue, Well, it’s my main use for the hackle, but it’s main purpose is for fiber blending, either color or different kinds of fibers. Since I don’t do much of either of those and I like to diz off long tops to spin, that’s what I use mine for :). Thanks for your post! -Kimberly :)
TheNaturalSpinner I use my combs some times but I’m normally a batt maker because I like larger amount to work on. I always felt the small nests were just to small and slow but loading the hackle to make big bumps of combed top makes so much sense now. I also love your little table setup with combs and hackle. I’m on the hunt now for something similar. Thank you for the lovely videos.
I like your method. I have tried clamping one comb but end up holding both of them so I can comb wherever I am sitting. But I love how you have a hand free to smoothe the fibers. I love getting my hands in the fiber, too! Thank you for this. :-)
You are most welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it!!
oh i'm so excited for another video! I had to add a comment before even watching it!
AND... I've just acquired a Romney fleece, so this is PARTICULARLY relevant. Thanks for returning!
You've just explained the value to a hackle. Not sure I'll invest right now, but I now know WHY I would want one.
Now if I could just figure out how to dizz like you (keeping the roving in my palm...)
Practice :)
Like I said, most people use them for blending...but I like more top to spin at a time...I don't like joining on...never have...that's just me!
I'm in the process of learning to spin and all about fleece fiber... I'm working at the moment with an old fleece from an old mattress I had... I so wish to have the same roving you have... BUT... I don't xD ahahahahahahaha
I really like the clarity of your video and how clearly you explain everything. I am interested to know what the tool is that you use at the point you are pulling the wool off the comb? Can these be purchased?
The tool is called a diz and I made it from a PVC pipe. I may end up selling some in my Etsy store soon. I'm glad you have enjoyed the videos! Thank you, Kimberly
Dis?diz? Yes it is beautiful!
I believe it's 'diz'.
Ohhh I want to do that!!
Anyone can learn and there are plenty of videos, mine and others, to help you. Good luck! -Kimberly
Could you explain the characteristics of Finn wool and why its desirable or not to use. And what you feel its best used for or blended with?
Thank you.
I love your videos. Please make MANY MANY more. LONG VIDEOS PLEASE ! 🙃 I just love everything you do!
Ah, Finnsheep! One of my favorites! I have a couple of lamb Finn fleeces and I covet them. It's one of the lesser talked about (in my experience) good all around wools. Finer fleeces, like lamb, could be used for next to the skin projects. Coarser fleeces for other things. I find it has good strength and medium crimp. Good length too in the ones I have. (You DO have the Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook, right? ; ~) In terms of blending, remember, the resulting yarn will only be as soft as the coarsest wool or fiber in the mix. It also depends on your skin sensitivity level. Blend with a similar length fiber if combing together.
Thanks so much for posting your comment!!
that is beautiful --
Thank you!!
PS... I LOVE the smell of fleece too.
Aaaaaahhhhhhh....fleece fumes! I'm still not quite over Maryland Sheep & Wool...I was there most of three days amongst the wonderful fleeces...just heaven!
Your videos are so relaxing!!!! I have too questions if that's okay. I know this video is older so not sure if you'll see it.
1. Where did you get your dizzes 😍
And 2. Is that the 12in or 18in hackle?
Hi Tiffani, The plastic PVC dizzes I made myself. The hackle is 12" working width and the base is 16". I am so happy you find them relaxing! Thanks for your comment and questions. -Kimberly :)
Hello. Just love your videos. I live in NZ able to get hands on lovely fleeces. Where would I go on line to buy the big combs you are using to pull the fibre apart. Thanks.
Hi Cheryl,
The closest to you that I can find a retailer for the combs is in Australia.
Here is a link so you can check it out...
www.theluckyewe.com.au/index.php/gallery/SPINNING%2B%2526%2BWEAVING%2BBITS/valkyrie-extra-fine-wool-combs/409868
Valkyrie combs are wonderful and worth the effort to obtain :)
Thanks for your comment! -Kimberly :)
Your videos are fantastic! I've never seen carding like this...I don't think its common or even known about in Tasmania. Could you please advise me where i might purchase these types of carders? Thank you a million, Natalie
Hello Natalie, The tools I am using are combs. They are Valkyrie brand and there is a distributor of them in Australia. I have reached out to them to find out where they are and a website for them. I'm glad you enjoy the videos! -Kimberly
Great videos, thank you! Which Valkyrie hackle is this, the fine one or the extra fine?
It is an Extra Fine hackle, same as the combs. It doesn't have to match, but it is my preference. ~ Kimberly
I really miss your fiber education videos. When are you coming back with more content?
Thanks for helping to inspire me to get back to it...I've been saying to myself that I need to get the ones I've started, finished! It will be soon!! - Kimberly
👍👍👍💐🍭 Thank You!!
Thank you!! ;) So many ideas for more, so not enough time...sigh...
Thanks for leaving a comment :)
My total pleasure! I truly enjoy learning from you, but especially watching and hearing YOU enjoying one of your passions in life! The latter radiates throughout your videos!!
Awe, that's so nice :)
What clamps do you use to keep them tight to the table?
I enjoy these so much! I wonder how the winner is enjoying his fleece?
Haven't heard anything, but I'd like to know too :) Maybe she'll see your question and give us a reply ! :)
-Kimberly
Hi there.....I am the winner of Mr. Bates fleece. First, I am so happy you posted this video of combing the fleece. Thank you so very much! Your instructions and soothing manner is just lovely to watch and listen to. And.......I have not ventured to spin Mr Bates yet because I was so afraid I would wreck his beautiful fleece and I didn't want to do that so becoming uncertain or fearful, I have only enjoyed having a piece of Mr Bates and holding and touching him. I know, silly, to say the least. I wasn't sure the best way to spin.....comb or spin from the fleece as it is. Now that you have shown me just how to comb his fleece, I feel confident to continue. I did want to ask, do you ever spin from the fleece to try to preserve the lock structure? Again, thank you and I will comb and spin and post a pic of the final result. I really am happy you made this video....I feel like you spoke to me and said......here is how you do it so get moving. Lol.
Hi Cheryl! So glad to hear from you? Remind me, did I send you all raw or was some of it washed?
Could you elaborate on what you mean by “spin from the fleece to try to preserve the lock structure?” Do you mean like tail spinning, or just keeping the locks intact to comb and then spin? I’m not clear on what you are asking and would like to give you the correct answer.
I did show combing from the washed lock, just the beginning, since after the first pass, it’s the same as any other combing.
Do keep in touch and let me know how you get on with his fleece :)
And it is not silly to ‘pet’ the fleece...anyone who loves raw fleecw will relate to this :) It’s addictive!
-Kimberly
The fleece you sent was washed. I probably am not explaining this great but I was asking do you spin the Locks/fleece after washing but without combing first. Seems like combing the locks takes out the crimp and straightens it. I am wondering if spinning without combing keeps the crimp in more. I am going to comb it like you show in your video.
That would be tail spinning. People love to do it with really spirally longwools, like Wensleydale or Blue Faced Leicester. Makes for some interesting art yarn. I do not prefer to spin that way and I have never even actually tried to do it. I've watched others, lol, but haven't been brave enough to try. Art yarns are generally not my cup of tea. I stick to what moves me, like combed prep, worsted spun, smooth even yarns, especially lace! It is certainly worth giving it a try if you like the look of it. :) -Kimberly
I like your setup here; like a permanent little combing station. It looks like it's a smallish table with the hackle and combs secured in place with metal strips? And covers when you're not using them! Did those covers come with the tools or did you have to make those?
The metal strips are duct straps. The table is my permanent combing station, yes. A very good friend gifted me the covers. The light blue is Tasha Tudor fabric :) Thanks for posting!!
At the end of the video, you have some skeins of yarn, they look like a single, are they a test spin or that will be the end product?
I'm going to be making two ply skeins for the project. The two singles skeins were done different ways and they are different grists too. The finer one, I cut the faded tips off of the locks and prepared it that way. The other one is the whole lock. I want to show both spinning the singles as well as making a two ply.
There is a surprise in store...shhhh, don't tell anyone ;) -Kimberly
What kind of projects would be suited to make with the second combing of wool? I'm assuming that yarn spun with it would be a little weaker and less durable and perhaps a bit fuzzier.
It's just a shorter staple than the first combed top. It could be spun either worsted or carded for woolen. I wouldn't say it's weaker though. Could be used for many things, lots of 'it depends' factors.
How big is the hole on that diz? Love your videos!
Hi Hollyann, Thanks for asking. I am using the center hole, which is 3/32" (2.38 mm). The smallest is 1/16" (1.59 mm) and the largest on that diz is 1/8" (3.175 mm). I do love hearing that the videos are enjoyed! Thanks for posting :) -Kimberly
Two questions:
1. Do you prep/scour your entire fleece before combing any of it?
2. Do you comb ALL of it before spinning it?
Hey Jillaine!
Answer to both is...Heeeeck no! LOL Haha, I have no patience...I can’t stand for a new fleece to just sit there without washing, combing and spinning up a little bit...it’s torture if I can’t get to a fleece right away. It stays on my mind and I think about how it’s going to turn out. I think it’s safe to say that most if not all of us raw fiber addicts suffer the same condition ;) Good questions! -Kimberly :)
The reason I ask is that I did not prep all of my Flat Island fleece before spinning-- I did little bits at a time. But I ended up with very inconsistent results. MUST DO CONTROL CARD. ;-)
And I have 9.5 pounds of this new Romney. I don't want to f' it up.
Yes! Control card! Lots of notes. This is important if you want consistent yarn, especially if it’s done at different times. I have only spun half of that island fleece so far. I hope I can find the card to do the other half! :)
-K
could the final waste be used to make coarse felt?
Absolutely!
Nice tarb‼
What type of spinning wheel do you use❓
💜💙💚💛🧡❤
It is a Timbertops, an English made wheel. The model is a Thurmaston with a 24" wheel.
Hi I have seen people load fiber cut end & tip end; can you tell me your experience of both? I value your opinion. Thanks
I haven't really done specific experiments with either tip or cut ends only. Then it's which end to spin from. Choices, choices! I think I made one or two skeins with the fiber in all the same direction. It's just that I didn't take any notes, so I really don't remember, sorry. Experiments are really fun and educational though! Please let me know if you do it and what your outcome is. Look up Margaret Stove, she has interesting ideas on the subject.
What tool is that that you used to help pull your fiber off the comb?
It is a diz I made from a PVC pipe. I like the curved shape, it is comfortable to work with.
Question....is Mr. Bates spun fiber plied or singles?...Trying to see on the video..... it looks like they are singles. Also, do you wash the skeins after spinning? If so, do you use detergent or just water please? And lastly, do you weight them while drying? Thank you Kindly
Anyone knows what the little thing called at 6:00 that “collects” the wool? Thank you!
It is called a 'diz'. Just about any small object that is comfortable to hold, that has a small hole in it, will do. This one I made from a PVC pipe.
Where did you get your diz?
I made it from a PVC pipe.
is it essential to have proper built combs?
It sure makes the job more pleasant to have good quality, sturdy combs. The tines of these pretty much never bend out of shape and if taken care of, could be handed down to the next gen. They are awesome and I highly recommend! -Kimberly
Is that a 12" or 18" hackle?
and is it fine or extra fine?
12”.
Extra Fine to match the combs.
Who is Mr. Bates?
That is the name of the Romney ram who grew the beautiful fleece!