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Alpaca
Feb 19, 2014 11:31:02 GMT
Post by zed on Feb 19, 2014 11:31:02 GMT
I'd guess at angora rabbit, it looks a lot like some I got in a fibre swap a few years ago, and all the alpaca I've had has a very obvious crimp or curl Here's the alpaca photos from my photostream www.flickr.com/search/?w=33138187@N06&q=alpacaThe soft curly fibre from Angora goats is usually called Mohair, but is sometimes called Angora or Angora goat, Angora locks, or yearling (not exactly sure about that) when it is older and the fibre is different. older Angora goat locks: Angora locks by zedster01, on Flickr
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Alpaca
Feb 19, 2014 17:38:01 GMT
Post by MTRuth on Feb 19, 2014 17:38:01 GMT
Interesting Zed - the alpaca I have is not curly at all.
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Alpaca
Feb 19, 2014 23:06:02 GMT
Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Feb 19, 2014 23:06:02 GMT
Yesterday, I started making samples, but I was not happy with the alpaca(?) behavior! This was the most difficult fiber I have ever worked with! Firstly, it stuck to my hands and would not "shake off." Secondly, I wet my hands a bit to try and help but it was only worse, as it stuck to my hands in stringy wet messes. I did felt it to merino, only one layer of each, and once it was tamed, it did felt quite easily but it did shrink substantially (45-50%)! Finally, I guess I would call it a success but would not choose to work with it by choice. It is very soft and lovely! feltingandfiberstudio.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/dewbtkfefcy8ynrtzivf.jpg
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Alpaca
Feb 19, 2014 23:08:12 GMT
Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Feb 19, 2014 23:08:12 GMT
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Alpaca
Feb 19, 2014 23:11:22 GMT
Post by MTRuth on Feb 19, 2014 23:11:22 GMT
Well at least you know how it reacts. Did you cover it with a nylon curtain when wetting down and first rubbing? You could try blending it in with the merino so it wasn't all on one layer.
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Alpaca
Feb 19, 2014 23:21:46 GMT
Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Feb 19, 2014 23:21:46 GMT
Yes, I did. The problem was getting the stuff laid out. It kept swirling away or sticking to my fingers. Once I wet it, no problem with the sheer curtain, that is, as soon as it got wet. Never thought to mix it with the merino to tame it. Guess you would have to use a hand carder to do that?
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Alpaca
Feb 19, 2014 23:28:01 GMT
Post by MTRuth on Feb 19, 2014 23:28:01 GMT
That would be easiest to use a hand carder or a drum carder but you can do it in small amounts by hand. Just put a bit of each fiber in your hand and hold the ends in one hand while pulling a bit of the fibers out into the other hand. Keep pulling out from the one hand until you've transferred all the fibers to the other hand. Then repeat. It's like mixing two colors together. I think I had that in my book if I recall correctly.
It could be angora because it reacts that way and is very fly away and full of static.
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Alpaca
Feb 20, 2014 0:24:56 GMT
Post by Shepherdess on Feb 20, 2014 0:24:56 GMT
static is awful this time of year. you could try steaming t a bit before using it to help with the static. I often give the wool a fine mist with a water and essential oil mix.
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Alpaca
Feb 20, 2014 14:45:00 GMT
Post by zed on Feb 20, 2014 14:45:00 GMT
It looks nice whatever it is
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Alpaca
Mar 1, 2016 18:09:31 GMT
Post by viltmaaraan on Mar 1, 2016 18:09:31 GMT
I have some alpaca I haven't tried yet. I wonder if it would help to combine it with wool. I have to do some samples. Have you had time to do that in the last two years? I am curious about it.
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Post by Pandagirl on Mar 1, 2016 19:46:02 GMT
Yes, Vitmaaraan I have many times when making batts. I think the alpaca I have that was dyed was probably from a not so great part of of the animal. I got that from a local farm. I also have some Alpaca silk combo I purchased from a store that is wonderful to dye and felt.
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Alpaca
Mar 2, 2016 15:42:15 GMT
Post by Shepherdess on Mar 2, 2016 15:42:15 GMT
All the mohair I have seen is very curly and shiny and the older the animal, the courser the fiber.
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Post by viltmaaraan on Mar 3, 2016 10:11:48 GMT
All the mohair I have seen is very curly and shiny and the older the animal, the courser the fiber. I bought 1,6 K from an Alpaca keeper. I wanted white, and he had only one fleece left from last year, that's why I got 30% discount. What I recieved was very neat. But I expected the locks to be a little bit longer. I had never spun Alpaca before. But after 1x through the carder it spun wonderful, never breaks. Next time I 'll ply it an dye it. Before that I'll make some more single yarn to knit an ajour scarf. I have knitt a little piece, I used the Snowshoe sticht, but I think I have to take some lower number of needles.
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Alpaca
Apr 8, 2016 13:23:05 GMT
Post by viltmaaraan on Apr 8, 2016 13:23:05 GMT
Yes, Vitmaaraan I have many times when making batts. I think the alpaca I have that was dyed was probably from a not so great part of of the animal. I got that from a local farm. I also have some Alpaca silk combo I purchased from a store that is wonderful to dye and felt. Last I dyed already spun and plied Alpaca with Dupont (Tamaranthe) and it gave a fabulous color! A second batt was colored with paint for Easter eggs. Green, red and yellow metallic. I put that in the microwave and later carded and spun it, plied it with white Alpaca and that gave a pastel baby color.
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Alpaca
Apr 8, 2016 15:39:12 GMT
Post by Pandagirl on Apr 8, 2016 15:39:12 GMT
Beautiful results!
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