Accessing Fibers

When I get a box of samples of fibers I want to be able to evaluate the fibers and spin in a woolen and worsted manner.

By the way, The Elusive Thread has an excellent description of how to evaluate fiber.

Characteristic Note Card, items to record:

• Measure the length of several locks
• Record the color of fiber
  
• Count the crimps per inch
• The tactile and visual experience (soft, luster, greasy/oily)
  
• In small plastic bags attached to the card, save samples of: raw lock, washed lock, single ply, 2-ply and a small knitted sample
  
• What I liked and didn't like about this sample/breed
• *What projects I think this would be good for*
• Research information about each breed of sheep (this will be more than will fit on a note card)
• Write down what are the standards for the breed like this (from The Elusive Thread, above):
  Staple Length: 3-5 inches
  Fineness: 21-25 microns
  Bradford Count: 58s-64s
  Crimp: fine, between 6-15 crimps per inch
  Fleece Weight: 11-16 lbs
  Labeled as suitable for next to skin wear
  

Wash the samples (carefully keep track of what fiber is what) see previous FSM post. You can take apart a bathing poof and tie the samples in individual sections. (Here's a blog with a photo of a cut apart bath poof, an idea of Jackie Bland's.)

For short staple fibers spin woolen, use hand cards and make into rolags. Keep single-ply and double-ply samples.

For long staple fibers comb and spin worsted. Keep single-ply and double-ply samples.

For intermediate length staple spin some woolen AND worsted. Again, keep single-ply and double-ply samples of the woolen and worsted.

At least this is the IDEA, I can see myself delving into a project right away with every fiber that excites me; you know, like falling in love!