Fiber Resolutions
Sep. 20th, 2020 08:41 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
unicorndukeSo I've been wanting to buy some fleeces and start processing fleece to spin. As of right now, I have somewhere around 9-10 pounds of fiber that is currently spinable and available in my stash. I hadn't realize I acquired that much but time flies. I know my stash is small compared to a lot of people's but it is a lot for me.
Resolution: if I spin at least 6 pounds of fiber, without buying any new fiber, by end of March, I can buy a set of combs and/or cards and start buying fleeces to process.
That will also give me time to figure out a drop cloth situation for cleanup and possibly a way to wash in the apartment. Disposing of dirty water is my biggest concern so maybe I could just buy cleaned fleeces even though they are more expensive. Timing wise, it will allow me to buy fleece during MDSW which is in May, whether virtual or in person.
That's a rate of about a pound of fiber per month. Right now, I'm doing maybe 8oz a month but once farm season is done and I'm home more, I'm going to bet my spinning production increases a lot. Back in April of this year, I spun two pounds so I know it's possible to get a lot spun.
Resolution: if I spin at least 6 pounds of fiber, without buying any new fiber, by end of March, I can buy a set of combs and/or cards and start buying fleeces to process.
That will also give me time to figure out a drop cloth situation for cleanup and possibly a way to wash in the apartment. Disposing of dirty water is my biggest concern so maybe I could just buy cleaned fleeces even though they are more expensive. Timing wise, it will allow me to buy fleece during MDSW which is in May, whether virtual or in person.
That's a rate of about a pound of fiber per month. Right now, I'm doing maybe 8oz a month but once farm season is done and I'm home more, I'm going to bet my spinning production increases a lot. Back in April of this year, I spun two pounds so I know it's possible to get a lot spun.
no subject
Date: 2020-09-20 03:09 pm (UTC)Also hoping to find a local source of raw fleece.
Now I just need a time turner so I actually have time to do it XD
no subject
Date: 2020-09-20 04:04 pm (UTC)I think getting through half a pound of fibre per month this time of year is an accomplishment!
Washing fleeces was an outside-or-industrial sort of thing even in the Neolithic. Never done it, but I have handled raw fleece and it's generally filthy in a sticky "need to wash yourself several times to believe you're clean" way.
So this is a vote for buying washed fleece unless and until you've got floor drains and enough room for a counter flow set of tubs and a seriously industrial organic vapour respirator.
(Highly tangentially, I believe the consensus has it that no moral weight attaches to any stash you can lift all of at one time.)
no subject
Date: 2020-09-20 07:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-09-20 07:19 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-09-20 07:22 pm (UTC)May the day come soon!
(And also the organic vapour respirator! lye and other saponifiers are a little too effective at clearing the sinuses.)