tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181519666977136586.post1130214079184001591..comments2022-01-18T12:13:08.276-08:00Comments on Skukum Knits: Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792437799611866427noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181519666977136586.post-89213971955681490572011-08-17T16:15:22.186-07:002011-08-17T16:15:22.186-07:00I find the Lock by lock method is a very good way ...I find the Lock by lock method is a very good way to treat fine fleeces I was taught that way and achieved a pair of socks for my friend's prem baby from just 8 merino locks or staples as we call them here in New Zealand<br /><br />I have found that nearly every spinner has their own method of washing fleece and we all have to work out what works best for ourselves<br />your new friend Csec on RavelryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181519666977136586.post-78973614146086353812010-05-18T22:23:38.722-07:002010-05-18T22:23:38.722-07:00Oooo I'm going to try this! Oh I don't gr...Oooo I'm going to try this! Oh I don't greasy fleece or spinning outside in summer - I'm game. I'm trying this method for sure, it sounds like it's been well tested - thank you!Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00792437799611866427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181519666977136586.post-27359749192351546892010-05-17T10:40:24.101-07:002010-05-17T10:40:24.101-07:00When I get fresh-sheared fleece, I stuff the sorte...When I get fresh-sheared fleece, I stuff the sorted wool into big mesh bags - the ones my greengrocer gets potatoes in! Each bag is made for 5 kilos of potatoes - that amounts to half a fleece (approx. 4 kilos, packed weight).<br />Then I fill the old baby bath with HOT water - 45 degrees Centigrade, cirka) and plonk the sack in. Leave it to stew in its own juices until the water is absolutely cold, usually overnight.<br />Then I stuff the sack into the washer and put it through the spin cycle. Back in a tub of cold water for a rinse - another spin. Repeat again.<br />Finally, the wool gets spread out to air dry. I use an old net curtain on a drying rack, so air can circulate all round.<br />I've used this method for nigh on 30 years, and have never felted a fleece. What ruins wool is temperature change combined with either rubbing or soap. Thus, only one sack at a time in the spin dryer. Otherwise the friction of two sacks at a time WOULD produce lumps of felt ...<br /><br />This way, I use the wool's own chemistry. Lanolin + urine + sweat + other assorted muck + heat + water = soap. The first batch of water turns as brown and silty as the Yangtse river, but it cleans anything. Even filthy woolen coats can be cleaned by dunking in it (tested and tried ;o)), but it still won't dry out the fibre as detergents will.<br /><br />Discoloured tips will regain their original colour when you wash the finished yarn - and remember, if you can bear the thought, that spinning thin (cobweb and laceweight) is easier 'in the grease', i.e. unwashed, filthy, greasy wool. Best done outdoors in summer....Dana Watshamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01210142146048757420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181519666977136586.post-65060185816559816682010-03-14T14:40:32.520-07:002010-03-14T14:40:32.520-07:00Oh thank you!!! :D
That link you sent is fanatasti...Oh thank you!!! :D<br />That link you sent is fanatastic! I'm going RIGHT NOW to find some ultra concentrated Dawn and some lingery bags. This method seems safer than the stove-top method. <br />The tiny town I live in only has one country store, so I doubt I'll find Orvus paste but I'll ask.<br />I'll post my results too.<br />Carol [skukum knits]Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00792437799611866427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181519666977136586.post-21374346094861741332010-03-14T06:08:26.292-07:002010-03-14T06:08:26.292-07:00I think perhaps, you are being a little hard on yo...I think perhaps, you are being a little hard on yourself! I truly think it makes a HUGE difference in what soap you use for cleaning, and ivory is just a bit too gentle. <br /><br />Don't forget too, that you will process those locks, and get more dirt out that way too. I personally hate the Dawn dishsoap smell, but I've discovered that I like a little lanolin left, so Orvus paste works for me. <br /><br />Go look at this link:<br /><br />http://sockpr0n.blogspot.com/2008/09/unicorn-fiber-power-scour-versus-dawn.html<br /><br />That is way too cool!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14722657053932862915noreply@blogger.com