So I bought some raw wool from Homestead Wool & Gift Farm. My wool came from an Icelandic/Merino mix, Dorsey.
Exciting! I read up a lot on scouring (again, Aija’s article helped a lot), but I wasn’t confident about it. Prepped my hot hot water with just a bit of Dawn. In went the wool. It all started out well, with nice icky yellow water:
After this wash I started having trouble… or so I thought. I noticed that even after the 2nd and 3rd washes the tips were still yellow in many places. Thinking my water was just not hot enough, perhaps I didn’t have enough soap? I added a bit more soap and made the water scalding hot (boiled it for several minutes first!). This is after 5 washes:
Talked with everyone I knew about how to get that last little bit of lanolin off. Finally got around to speaking with the Sandy (the owner) and I found out that it’s probably just weather and sun-stained, not coming out at all. Should have spoken with her first! Eh, now I know. Since then have been doing some dyeing experimentation:
Pastels:
I haven’t carded it yet. I’m hoping that carding will get rid of those carmel-y bits, because I don’t much like them as is, though some other people have said they are fine. I did a darker batch or two too. I love how the teal came out:
I have a really nice deep magenta that is drying right now, I’ll be taking photos of that tonight & also be posting results from the alpaca carding very soon. TTFN!
Tags: icelandic/merino, preparation, technique, the start, washing
looks like you’re having bunches of fun! i’m not quite that adventurous, but i’m glad i get to see what you’re up to.
maya | springtree road’s last blog post..Sneaky Weasel + giveaway (yay!)
I absolutely love the way the bottom batch came out, although they are all lovely. You are doing really well with your fiber experimentation!