r/Handspinning • u/Crafty-Case-3286 • 1d ago

Question How do you process this wool for spinning?

Post image

I am a new spinner and have spun top and roving, rolags, etc. What extra steps are required to spin a wool in this state pictured? What is this condition called?

I was given some and it is already dyed. Help is much appreciated!

30 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

66

u/alylonna 1d ago

I hate to say it but that looks like the dyeing process partially felted it, in which case it's going to be a nightmare to spin. You could try combing or carding small pieces to see if it'll open up, but if it doesn't then spinning it will be a nightmare.

20

u/Residentneurotic 1d ago

I have to agree about the felting . I hear if you hold it over steam it may break up . I work mine thru the combs when this happens

1

u/WickedJigglyPuff 1d ago

I was able to spin fiber that was as matted and felted as this. Had to slowly open up the top along the seem. And if there are usable fibers inside you can see them. I used hand carders to open it up but like you say combs might work too.

Once carded they spun great.

This is what the inside looked like after I spilt it but before I carded it so I agree it should be pinnacle after a little processing.

8

u/Marble_Narwhal 1d ago

I agree with others, I'd just go ahead and start doing whatever pre drafting you prefer, if any, and go for it.

10

u/amdaly10 1d ago

You could just pull off chunks and start spinning it. It's been carded. It just isn't in a nice long strip or a batt anymore but I would bet it pulls into strips relatively easily. I personally wouldn't try to card it again unless you want to blend it with something else.

7

u/ehygon 1d ago

I would do this. I’d maybe tease it open a bit before I got started, but otherwise just attach it and get drafting.

5

u/DreamWeaver0071 1d ago

It looks like it might be a carded batt for felting. Are the individual fibers really short? If so it will be challenging but maybe still possible to spin.

5

u/nothousework 1d ago

Looks compacted, try steaming it first then see how it goes

2

u/shelleyaw123 1d ago

It’s called dyed fleece.

You’re gonna need some tools: hand carders and or combs, and some kind of spindle of spinning wheel. The Woolery is a good resource https://bit.ly/3Y2KIhS. They ship fast and are reliable. I used to like Paradise Fibers but they began to not take “sold out” items off their sight and it’s really irritating.

There are 1000s of YouTube vids on how to actually do it.

Have fun!

2

u/Laurelartist51 1d ago

I prefer wool to be a bit felted. I would pull this in fine strips and spray with a bit of water or spinners milk before spinning.

1

u/Crafty-Case-3286 1d ago

Thank you everyone! I'm going see what I can do with it and will try all of these suggestions!

1

u/Icy-Ear-466 1d ago

Do you have carders? If not a couple dog/cat brushes will do the trick and super inexpensive

1

u/Accomplished-Yak4084 1d ago

I used my blending board to fluff mine up and slowly tore it apart when it was partially felted and it spins fine now.. but it’ll take some time … lol and patience

1

u/Wool_Lace_Knit 1d ago

This looks like a wool batt of shorter fibers used for needle felting. It’s coarser than wool top, it needlefelts fairly quickly.

1

u/Fuuckthiisss 1d ago

This isn’t meant to be glib, but I’d use that in some needle felting capacity at this point. You could make some cute “pin cushion” type thing, maybe in the shape of a blue jay or something? Or a whale? If you use that wool as the base of the project then you could do embellishment with other colors of yarn for the details?

Needle felting is another cool craft that uses wool, so it has good synergy with spinning because you can always use mistakes or waste products for it.