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Post by zed on Jun 13, 2014 10:10:45 GMT
I think most of my vessels have started out with layers of English 56s, probably similar to your domestic 56s. But I just got some Dorset horn that I think will be excellent, it felts really nicely,very close and kind of compact, really fast too. I'd show you pics, but I've been searching all morning for some photos I took and can't find them anywhere.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Jun 13, 2014 12:43:02 GMT
When you begin with English 56's, do you then add different fibers for strength or luster? I've never seen Dorset horn and look forward to your pics.
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Post by lauraann on Jun 13, 2014 15:54:49 GMT
What is English 56? And is Dorset horn a breed of sheep?
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Jun 13, 2014 17:17:43 GMT
I believe Zed mentioned the English 56's are comparable to our Domestic 56's, and these are blends of different sheep breeds. The Domestic 56's are from the Eastern breeds in the USA. Dorset Horns I am unfamiliar with, but I am sure Zed will have an answer for you.
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Post by koffipot on Jun 13, 2014 18:42:13 GMT
Very nice vessels Lauraann, I can't add anything to the comments already here. If you pop a balloon inside and inflate it as Ann suggests, then you can pop it in the dryer which helps the fulling process. Then finish it by smoothing and shaping it by hand until it's really solid.
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Post by zed on Jun 14, 2014 9:32:03 GMT
I think English/Domestic 56s just blend white wools with a similar Bradford/Micron count. Maybe they should call it 57's after Heinz Dorset Horn is a type of sheep, yeah. I did actually find my photos after a long search: I think with a lot of the vessels, I've 'trapped' different curly wools around the top, between the 56s and Merino and used curly/texturey wools on the surface. Merino felts very well with most wools, and is easy to use when messing about with wet hands and a load of slippy, wet wool on an inflated ball
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Jun 14, 2014 12:45:12 GMT
The pics are great! I would love to experiment with a larger variety of sheep wool. Perhaps it's time to take a look at WOW.
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Post by Shepherdess on Jun 14, 2014 13:14:44 GMT
Horned Dorset and Dorset are 2 breeds. Their wool is different too. The down breads make spongy felt. Dorset and Suffolk are 2. You often hear people say they do not felt. they do but its not easy and you will never get it to felt down hard like a Finnish wool
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Post by zed on Jun 15, 2014 9:04:37 GMT
The good thing about the natural wool tops is you get roughly 2 x 100g for the same price as 100g dyed Merino, so plenty to play and experiment with, without costing a fortune
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Post by carole aka craftywoman on Jun 16, 2014 14:24:38 GMT
the textures on these vessels are fabby, I would leave them as they are, I've had the best results from four layers of merino, pretty sturdy and they stand up, drying them I put a bag of sand inside - it keeps the shape and gives you a flat bottom :-) I do something very naughty to finish off the outside and get rid of seams - I put my hand inside and use a small sander on the outside - works a treat - but I'm not recommending it!!!!!
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Jun 16, 2014 14:36:14 GMT
OMG! I used a sander once on wet felt and thought I was getting electrocuted (yes, there was heavy plastic on top). Can't believe you did that!
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Post by Pandagirl on Jun 16, 2014 15:06:25 GMT
I just keep turning it while I'm working on it and the seams disappear. But I do like the texture in Laura's vessels which I think add to the character. I've used a sander, but on flat surfaces. My sander is wrapped in heavy plastic, but I think it would be awkward handling it on a vessel. I'm not that coordinated. :-)
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Post by carole aka craftywoman on Jun 16, 2014 15:20:33 GMT
I think I haven't lost my childhood fearlessness, you are meant to grow out of it!!! I need to invest in a cordless one, I'm sure it would be safer :-)
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Post by Shepherdess on Jun 16, 2014 15:37:20 GMT
I forgot to say I have used everything form 2 think layers to many thick layers. It all works. The one with curls is only 2 think layers.
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Post by carole aka craftywoman on Jun 16, 2014 15:45:35 GMT
these are gorgeous, I'm a magpie for bling, so I love the details you've added :-)
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