DamselflyStudio
Junior Member
Surrounded by a Toy Poodle, Chihuahua and two rescued Chorkies
Posts: 16 
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Post by DamselflyStudio on Apr 7, 2015 17:32:13 GMT
Yes, spring has arrived and those of you that have sheep, alpacas etc are either getting ready to or preparing to do your shearing. I have a shearing every spring of a different sort...my poodle. I let my poodle grow out very long from October until March so that she stays nice and warm through the cold winters we had in Erie, PA and to our surprise, the frigid cold here in Indiana. I have kept her brushed all winter. Abbie was soft and wooly. It was only when the windchill was in the minus did we need to put a coat on her. Unfortunately, we had some spring rain that melted the last of the snow early in March and unfortunately I did not brush her deep enough. A poodle's coat will matt easily and felt. My baby had started to felt close to the skin. So, I began trimming her as she slept in my lap, a pre cut before she was to go to the groomer. Today I finally got out my own clippers and trimmed the whole dog. I have been saving her coat that I grow out each winter to have spun. This coat, because it ended up having some matting, I think will end up in some felt! Not sure what yet, it's only a grocery bag full. Since the wool is shorter, I will blend it with sheep's wool. Any ideas what I should make? feltingandfiberstudio.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/zymtg8erwgwntlt8p6q2.jpgAttachments:
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Post by Pandagirl on Apr 7, 2015 18:28:03 GMT
Wow, I hope she's not going to feel cold. How about a dog bed? I'm sure she'd like the comfort of her own fur to sleep on. :-)
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Post by MTRuth on Apr 7, 2015 20:22:47 GMT
I have two Yorkies so I love dogs, but I am allergic to many breeds of dog. If the piece is just for you, that's fine. But you should think of people with dog allergies if you're planning on selling what you make. In my store, I had a woman who spun dog hair and then used the yarn to make hats. The hats made me sneeze and I had to give them back to her as I couldn't stand being in the same room with the hats. Not trying to rant or anything, just an experience I had in the past. Cute puppy  |
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Post by elizabeth on Apr 7, 2015 20:30:42 GMT
I vote for the pet bed, too.
Once upon a time I was picking up cat supplies from a store. They had a pelt they had cut off of a black cat - it was completely matted and looked more like an animal skin. They said the poor kittie's skin was very fragile after having been under the mat for so long. They let the owner have the cat back, with stern warnings. When the owner appeared again with the cat in a similar condition, they refused to let him/her have the cat back. Kudos to them!!
My kitties make sure I pet them enough to prevent mats. >^^<
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Post by Shepherdess on Apr 7, 2015 23:03:19 GMT
yes blending it and making her a bed or basket would be fun.
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Post by zed on Apr 8, 2015 9:06:05 GMT
Aaw! My vote is for a mat or bed too, or even a cover for her next winter coat.
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DamselflyStudio
Junior Member
Surrounded by a Toy Poodle, Chihuahua and two rescued Chorkies
Posts: 16
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Post by DamselflyStudio on Apr 9, 2015 4:29:16 GMT
A dog bed is a great idea! Although I think the cats would use it more than she would. Abbie has never used a "dog" bed as Poodles generally don't consider themselves to be dogs! They like to perch on pillows! She has been cold, it's always an adjustment for her for a few days after the winter clip. But she does have a few nice hand knit sweaters and Polertec to keep her warm, as well as her Chihuahua sister. I have been saving some of the wool for 20 plus years from the poodles that have been in my life. A winter hat or scarf for myself might be nice too. We are moving to South Carolina this summer, so I doubt I will be letting Abbie's coat grow out to be so long again.
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Post by jwugg on Apr 9, 2015 5:29:19 GMT
& what a very pretty girl she is too.
Let us know how you get on with the felting, I have a part-poodle dog & have sometimes wondered about felting some of her fur, but I am a bad dog-mum as she hates brushing, so it's already matted when it gets taken off !
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DamselflyStudio
Junior Member
Surrounded by a Toy Poodle, Chihuahua and two rescued Chorkies
Posts: 16
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Post by DamselflyStudio on Apr 10, 2015 3:46:34 GMT
A conditioning/detangling spray that helps you comb through the coat and keeps it from getting too dry really helps. We use Isle of Dogs Everyday Elements Silky Coating Brush Spray.
It does a great job, the Jasmine Vanilla scent is soft , ok for my allergies.
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Post by Shepherdess on Apr 10, 2015 23:07:17 GMT
The other thing with brushing is to start when they don't have any hair so it doesn't hurt. Doing it every day. start with short bits and treats. and when it gets long comb it or you end up packing it down near the skin. I have cut many lovely looking dog out of its coat.
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Post by Leonor (of Eleanor Shadow) on Apr 29, 2015 18:40:45 GMT
I vote for spinning the hair! A member of my spinning guild spun some long staple cat hair and the yarn was so lovely and soft. It might be interesting to see people's reactions if you make something for yourself and tell them it's dog hair |
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Post by koffipot on Apr 30, 2015 7:26:47 GMT
Make her a little coat to wear next winter. Or even sooner depending on your weather. |
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