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Post by josiebrat on Mar 8, 2016 4:01:41 GMT
What is everyone's favorite fiber to use for wool hats? I have used Bergschaf from DHG, and c1/pelsull wool from NEFS. Both works fine, and very durable, but not available in wide color variety. thanks Josephine
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Post by halay on Mar 8, 2016 4:09:00 GMT
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Post by crealou on Mar 8, 2016 14:02:20 GMT
Merino and alpaca blend for me.
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Post by MTRuth on Mar 8, 2016 18:39:44 GMT
I usually use either merino or mixed 56's. But I buy wool white and dye my own colors.
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Post by Shepherdess on Mar 8, 2016 22:08:27 GMT
I use merino mostly. The C1 is fabulous but to expensive here in North America plus we have such a crappy Canadian dollar right now. The Bergschaf can be had at a few more places now and directly from The Italian maker. I haven't tried it or the other one they have yet.
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Post by sundownalpacas on Mar 9, 2016 15:57:36 GMT
I only use alpaca.
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Post by Teri Berry on Mar 9, 2016 19:52:02 GMT
21 mic merino is my favourite, I have used Norwegian in the past but it's not so easy to wet out
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Post by josiebrat on Mar 15, 2016 0:24:59 GMT
Thanks everyone. I am going to look at some new options. I have not ordered any fiber outside of the U.S before, but did place a recent order to an Etsy supplier from Germany and received my package really fast, and in good condition.
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Post by josiebrat on Mar 15, 2016 0:31:38 GMT
I just realized that I meant to ask about felt bags not hats. I use merino for my hats so far and like it, bbbut might try some new options based on your response. Does anything change for those making bags.
Thanks again!
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Post by MTRuth on Mar 15, 2016 2:46:29 GMT
Nope, same for me. Although I have used a coarser wool for bags before with good results.
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Post by jwugg on Mar 15, 2016 6:33:46 GMT
Yes, I do think you need coarser, stronger wool for bags, those I've done in merino stay a bit too soft & I think they pill more. I've used Corriedale & Finn
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Post by Teri Berry on Mar 15, 2016 8:32:44 GMT
I'm with Jill on this one, Corriedale is my favourite for bags (partly because it is available in a good range of colours). I have used merino but you have to full it really well to make it hard wearing enough for the abuse my day bags get. Alternatively, making bags from Nuno helps to reduce the pilling and stretching.
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Post by Shepherdess on Mar 16, 2016 1:50:37 GMT
Finnish works well for sturdy things. I don't think anyone sells it dyed.
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Post by dottyhen on Mar 17, 2016 9:24:13 GMT
I agree, coarser wool works better with bags. I have used merino on the outside layers (in order to be able to use lots of colour) and a layer of coarser wool such as Icelandic or Norwegian as a middle layer to give some strength, then fulled really well to help prevent pilling. I have tried using dyed corriedale tops too, but found that I needed more than when I use merino (with it being coarser, I guess). In fact it was frustrating as I didn't have quite enough and had to fill in with merino in the area that I was going to cut out below the flap!
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Post by josiebrat on Mar 24, 2016 16:13:43 GMT
thanks everyone for your comments on the fiber for bags. I am going to order some different fibers and make up some samples. The first bag I made I had used merino to make the outside embellishments and noticed recently that they are pilling a bit (I believe it was pre felts i used). This time if I'm going for the outer embellishments I will try a course fiber in colors. The c1/pelsul fiber holds up well, but again it's only heather colors I've been able to find and looking for bright colors. I will share my updates at a later point.
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