WASH SHEEPS WOOL

[rachelk]

Hi

does anyone use raw sheeps wool. what's the best way to wash and prepare it for weaving etc please.

I have just made a peg loom and want to make a rug. My friend has a small holding I was thinking of buying a couple of fleeces off him in the spring.

Regards RACHEL

[Helsbells]

You can wash it in stale wee to get the lanolin off.

[snapdragon]

nod nod - urine works but start collecting now cos you'll need a lot

also see Red's feature on wool preparation
I use very hot water and cheap washing up liquid (without formaldehyde)
first I separate the fleece into sections and put them in mesh log bags and soak them in lukewarm water to remove the main muck (often more than one soak) and hang the bags on the line (or the fence) to dripdry
Then to de-grease fill the sink with Very hot water add washing up liquid and place bag in it for a 20 minute soak, this is so the water doesn't start to cool and cause the lanolin to re-attach in it's harder form. handle very carefully, don't rub, rinse in water of the same temperature, hang to dry again
I'll go look for the article

[red]

try this thread

[Gert]

Hi

Mrs Gert uses a peg loom, but she doesn't wash the fleece until she's finished the rug. She also spins with unwashed fleece. It's carded to get all the muck out but she says it not so good to spin with washed fleece and the peg loom is the same.

I guess it's take your pick really.

Gert

[rachelk]

Hi thanks every one.
Have my 1st fleece coming Tues.
Rachel

[becks77]

Hi,
Brilliant, but watch out......this fibre stuff its addictive! LOL
Good luck
Becks

[theabsinthefairy]

just started on this yesterday

pics and write up on my blog

http://theabsinthefairy.blogspot.com/

[Silver Ether]

oooh little green fairy ... what awsome sights you have there ...

[theabsinthefairy]

Thanks - glad to see that I am not talking to myself -

[Silver Ether]

Thanks - glad to see that I am not talking to myself -

Yep it can get like that ...lol