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Post by Shepherdess on Dec 6, 2015 3:21:10 GMT
Yes, there is probably some spinning oil on it. There may be oil form the carding too. Especially in the winter it gets sprayed because of the static.
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Post by crealou on Dec 8, 2015 16:54:15 GMT
Thank Ann for confirming that!! Those are things that we do not think about before dyeing but might affect our final result.
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Post by sundownalpacas on Dec 29, 2015 23:00:24 GMT
Hi Crealou. In answer to your question about mills putting something on the yarns for spinning, it is a spinning oil. Before dyeing any of my alpaca yarns that have been processed at a mill, I wash it, then soak to get ready for dyeing. I also use Procion dyes. I like them for my alpaca then acid dyes. I handpaint with them too.
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Post by crealou on Dec 31, 2015 14:19:37 GMT
Thanks a lot Liz!! Happy new year!
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sonia
Junior Member
Posts: 44
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Post by sonia on Jan 3, 2016 14:12:42 GMT
It amazes me how long wool takes to be really wet through & I am guessing that alpaca may take longer, especially in skeins. I have only dyed loose alpaca.
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Post by crealou on Jan 4, 2016 14:26:14 GMT
Hi Sonia! I soaked mine 2 hours prior dyeing with no vinegar in the soaking water. But after I read to put vinegar in the soaking water it solved my spotted wool problem. My wool was alpaca. So 2 hours soaking did the job.
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sonia
Junior Member
Posts: 44
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Post by sonia on Jan 5, 2016 19:31:12 GMT
Great .. thank you for letting me know. I have quite a lot of alpaca I have been given, & would like to use some in the natural colours & some I will dye. I have one bag from a young animal & it is incredibly soft.... What would you recommend as the best use for this ? I dont want to waste it but cant think of the best thing to make !
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Post by Teri Berry on Jan 6, 2016 22:26:19 GMT
Hi Sonia
I would use your supersoft alpaca on something that would be worn next to the skin, perhaps a scarf or some gloves (I used alpaca as a single layer that sits next to the skin with 2 layers of fine merino on a pair and they feel lovely to wear)
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Post by crealou on Jan 7, 2016 22:21:34 GMT
Yes I agree! Cria( baby alpaca) is the softest wool ever since it is from it first shear ever.
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