Post by lizzie on Jul 20, 2017 0:52:10 GMT
I test felted some of my poodle's winter coat, fibers ~3" long (he's a 40 lb black standard poodle). It felted down nice and tight, not like the hairy felt I made with a friend's leonberger undercoat donation, and not like the hairy cord I made with my corgi cross' undercoat. It's a bit silkier to touch than merino, but not as smooth on my skin - I couldn't wear it next to my neck, though I thought at first that I could. It would make a brilliant vest or coat - the curl of the coat shows up in areas of the felt, it made a lovely texture! I wish felt photographed better (or that I photographed it better!). Definitely a win. I haven't felted enough to have a sense of whether it took longer or not than the wool I've used (the leonberger undercoat was definitely nice and quick).
So, totally wanted to share, as it was very exciting to get such a nice product!
In other exciting news, I haven't been able to resist asking around about Poitou donkey fiber - it's an endangered donkey breed that makes long dreadlocks, and I met one on my first date with my husband about 11 years ago. I can't find any information about the breed being used for fiber production (mostly for mule production, actually), but I suspect it will felt well. People are trying to save the breed, and I can't help but think that if the fiber is feltable, perhaps the poitou can have a new major function? My first 3 attempts were not successful (asking 3 sources near me in New England), but a farm in England says they will collect some for me to test - I am very excited! I love these different fibers. I tried a yak/merino blend, and it's brilliant (though a bugger to full - felt like it took forever!) - such a tight soft surface, and so sturdy feeling. I'm mostly making test swatches at the moment, though I do have plans to try to sew the hat I felted to correct the shaping error I made, and try some funky leg warmers maybe this month.... All fun!
Thanks as always for having this forum!
Lizzie
So, totally wanted to share, as it was very exciting to get such a nice product!
In other exciting news, I haven't been able to resist asking around about Poitou donkey fiber - it's an endangered donkey breed that makes long dreadlocks, and I met one on my first date with my husband about 11 years ago. I can't find any information about the breed being used for fiber production (mostly for mule production, actually), but I suspect it will felt well. People are trying to save the breed, and I can't help but think that if the fiber is feltable, perhaps the poitou can have a new major function? My first 3 attempts were not successful (asking 3 sources near me in New England), but a farm in England says they will collect some for me to test - I am very excited! I love these different fibers. I tried a yak/merino blend, and it's brilliant (though a bugger to full - felt like it took forever!) - such a tight soft surface, and so sturdy feeling. I'm mostly making test swatches at the moment, though I do have plans to try to sew the hat I felted to correct the shaping error I made, and try some funky leg warmers maybe this month.... All fun!
Thanks as always for having this forum!
Lizzie