[fibernet] OT:Ventura County Fair, CA
This may be too late, but when does the livestock/sheep fibery stuff start at the Ventura Fair? Anyone know? Robin? Are you going to be there, or have you moved to AZ? (talk about timing. don't be buying any lottery tickets) I checked the Ventura Fair info online, twice, but may still have missed it. I do remember that some of my relatives will be there--there's a mule show. g I'll have 2 kids 8 9 who have never been to a fair. Never. Ditto the mom. Oh, if I'd ever decided to have kids, these 2 would be the ones I'd want. I'm trying to negotiate a deal with the mom, that involves MacGyver Dog, some of my best fiber, and a lot of begging. I love these kids. So? Sheep people? You gonna be at the VTA Fair this Friday? wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Re: Magnus Drudik wheels
As far as I know, Magnus has not been making wheels for a couple of years now due to ill health. Heidi has not been coming to our monthly spin-ins for the last several months. This news saddens me. Heidi and Magnus are two of the nicest people I know. I hope this is something temporary and that they'll be up and feeling better soon. -- wrnk d2
[fibernet] Stretchy drive bands
Skinny Sketti String used to be easily available but is now hard to find. The company that made SSS now markets the same material as Stretch Magic through bead stores. Get the fattest they offer, Fire Mountain Gems, a very large beading enabler, carries this product. The very best part about it It comes in COLORS. -- wrnk d2
[fibernet] Magnus spinning wheels
As far as I know, Magnus never had a web site. And, again, as far as I know, he's no longer making his wheels. If anyone should find out that he is still making wheels, would they please let me know? TIA -- wrnk d2
[fibernet] Magnus wheels
... how does one get in touch with him? Try magn...@aol.com No guarantees that it will work. -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Spinning Wheel Opinion?
I particularly loathe double treadle wheels :) I don't like the rigidity with which I have to sit, and in spite of manufacturers' claims, none that I have tried have been stable enough when used as a single treadle to spin well. Uh oh! I'm going to make a guess that it was a Lendrum wheel. As some of you may know, I loathe Lendrum wheels. I don't care how many bells and whistles that things have. If they're used as a double treadle, and you attempt to really treadle to get some speed, you can wind up with a dizzy attack, watching the flyer/orifice bob from left to right, or right to left. Lendrums are made with a lightweight wood, as opposed to say, hhh, red oak, walnut, etc. I borrowed a Lendrum from a dealer once upon a time. I sat down to use this paragon of wheels, spun on it for 10 minutes, 6 minutes of which was chasing it down as it 'walked' away from me. I really don't like Lendrum wheels. :) My all time favorite wheel to recommend to newbies, is Ashford's Saxony wheel. Or, maybe even the Elizabeth. I like the Ashford Saxony because it can grow right along with you. It has a 22 diameter drive wheel. Much larger than some of the more expensive wheels. Ashford provided a whole mess of bells and whistles for their Saxony. You can convert it to a double treadle, if you want double treadle. There are flyers and whorls that can be added, so that as you spinning ability grows, the wheel, with its add ons, can grow along with you. I acquired an Ashford Saxony a few years ago. It had been sitting out in a falling down barn, for over 20 years. The cobwebs on it were spider works of art. There was no rust on it. The drive wheel still spun true. It still had a drive cord on it. I sat down to spin on it, and it spun just as nicely as it would have, if it had been brand new. Yes, it needed some oiling, but I was impressed with the fact that it had been neglected for over 20 years and, other than spider webs and dust, it was still in excellent shape. The Ashford Elizabeth has a 24 diameter wheel. I don't know if it has the bells and whistle that are available for the smaller Saxony has. Ashford grows the wood they use in their wheels. I owned a Rick Reeves wheel for awhile. Back when Rick was still making his own wheels. It was a beautiful 30 red oak wheel. The wheel was actually 29. The explanation I heard, was that the spinning ladies could fit a smaller wheel into their car. My hypothesis is that, once the drive wheel hit 30, it had to be put into a larger box, which would make the shipping box so large, that UPS or USPS would charge a higher fee, for a non-standard box. The shipping fees on that would be so high, that people wouldn't be willing to the S H. Me and the wheel didn't do well together. It was an almost constant stare off. I'd approach the wheel with the idea that it was going to spin up a bundle of fiber. The wheel would hiccup, belch, or burp, and the drive band would pop off. I fixed that. The wheel sulked. It refused to do anything for me. I was convinced that I hadn't been spinning for as many years as I had. I gave up. The wheel and the new owner have a mutual admiration society. I have a Schacht that I almost always go back to. It has a large single treadle, that will accommodate two feet. It's fitted out with a Woolee Winder. At the risk of waxing poetic about the Woolee Winder, just let me tell you to make sure, when you buy a wheel, that will take a Woolee winder. I have other wheels, but I'm going to avoid talking about them. One, in particular, I would gladly break up into fairly small pieces, grab the person who made it, and return the wheel, one piece at a time where the sun don't shine. But, as others will tell you, find someplace where you can go and test drive some wheels. Pacific wool and fiber, in Oregon, have a very nice tutorial on their web page. I have dealt with them. I can't say enough nice things about them. And they have wheels you can test drive. :) wrnk d2
[fibernet] no flames
For the record, I have a Lendrum upright and use it for plying because you can set it for strong pull, and as a go to meeting wheel. My regular spinning is done on a Watson Marie, which just spins wonderfully and productively. !Wow! Those wheels are absolutely beautiful. You and the wheels are not flame worthy. I'm just pea green with envy, that someone owns one. Nice, Nancy. So, if I should be in your area sometime in the future, will you let me play on the wheel? I have some great spindles you can try. :) -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Re: I need plying info
Thanks, Holly. That was really good information for me. Who needs Spin Off, when we have Fibernet? -- wrnk d2
RE: [fibernet] I need plying info
I think that each way of doing it will give you a different look and feel to the final yarn. Personally, I would lean towards all 5 at once or ply 3, ply 2 and then ply those together. Are all the plies identical or are the different? I sort of was going for plying them all together. This is the first time that I deliberately sat down to spin, with an eye towards spinning as fine a single as possible. I have to ply all 5 together, to get a yarn thick enough for me to want to knit it into a shawl. I tried my best to keep the yarns as identical as possible, in twist, etc. All the singles have merino, with another fiber thrown in, just because I was experimenting with various fibers. So there's going to be differences in the plies, based on the various fibers I used. I can tell it's going to be a learning experience. -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Re: I need plying info
Would it help manage the yarns if you use a ball winder and wind them all together first into a ball , then you can ply them all at once from the ball? Ohhh! I like this idea! I'd need to put them through the ball winder anyway, just to be able to ply them together. -- wrnk d2
[fibernet] I need plying info
AND I cannot imagine plying 5 strands. I will be watching to see how you do it. ;-) Well, pooh! I can imagine plying 5 strands (they're really really really skinny), it's the execution that eludes me. -- wrnk d2
[fibernet] I need plying info
No paddle, but would an extendable coffee mug holder be an adequate substitute? -- wrnk d2
[fibernet] Re: I need plying info
Can you thread them through a shaker top from a spice bottle? that will allow you to have some tension and to be able to hold them separate up until you want them together. I almost missed this one. What a great idea! It's fairly simple. I could probably MacGyver some kind of contraption that would hold all the balls of yarn. Then, perhaps, a handmade top, with holes poked through it for the individual singles. I need to go to a carpet store and beg, borrow, or steal one of those cardboard jobbers that carpet gets wrapped on. I could it into lengths just long enough.. Hmmm, wait. PVC. About 6 in diameter. It already has holes in it. I just happen to have handy man type neighbors. It'll still be a MacGyvered project,but I'm pretty sure we can make it work. Thanks everyone! :) -- wrnk d2
[fibernet] Off topic: info needed; I need plying info
Hi All Sorry for the off topic, but this where I heard of a product for skin. I think it was made from sheep? maybe goat? milk. A very little went a long way. And it was years ago. The company, I hope, is still around. I really need that product. For fiber content, I dragged out my Schacht wheel, and have been spinning up some merino/tencel. Yummy. Such fun. Then all I have to do is knit fiber into a shawl. When finished with the spinning, I'll have 5 singles to ply together. Anyone have any suggetions as to how to ply them? wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] new espinner
Well, I'm astounded by what that website doesn't say. http://www.hansencrafts.com/ What's the rpm? And since it's not a direct drive, what's the actual flyer speed? It talks about how heavy portable wheels are but doesn't say how much this espinner weighs. It doesn't even give the price?!? I'd also want to know how noisy it is - some espinners are incredibly noisy. And how large is the orifice? Urk. I'm astounded that you didn't find all that information on the web site. :) Perhaps the site was having some problems. The wheel weight is on the Home page. The orifice info is on the specifications page. The cost is available also. As for the noise, well, that's subjective, isn't it? The one that followed my friend home from Madrona, is very quiet and well behaved. However, seeing as how she has 7 dogs, 2 cats, and a husband, the wheel might not want to draw attention it itself. :) Everyone of your questions can be answered by spending some time on the web site, reading all the information provided. The wheel weight is on the -- wrnk d2
[fibernet] new espinner
Has anyone had an opportunity to either spin on, or hear about the new espinner made by Hansen Crafts? A friend of mine went to Madrona, and one of the espinners followed her home. -- wrnk d2 (watching the womens's Olympic curling event)
Re: [fibernet] What's new?
Well, we had our Rose Bowl Parade. The weather was gorgeous. Seventy-two degrees, w/a slight breeze. I can just see the people who live in snow states, and who saw the Parade, getting ready to move to sunny CA. Please bear in mind that sometimes the solid earth provides feet massages for happy cows and sheep. :) On the fiber side, I'm just finishing a pair of socks I started in the last decade. I have some merino/sea cell fiber out, for the next pair of socks. Some mohair that needs to be washed and spun up. The wool room is full of fiber that needs to find a new home. -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Lincoln roving
Oh, Holly, I have to tell you, that Lincoln may act like it's next to the skin soft, but don't let it fool you. I had a baby Lincoln fleece that I spun up with the intent of something lovely next to the skin, because the fiber was so soft, and was a gorgeous dove grey. sigh Once it was spun up into a yarn, it felt like a metal scrub pad against my skin. Blending it with baby mohair did nothing to soften it either. It did win several ribbons at a juried show. But none of the ribbons softened the fiber either. :) -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Angora fiber - felted in storage!
Check to see that the angora has no dander in it to make you sneeze and if so chuck it!! This is a top quality blended fiber. The vendor would no more have allowed mites to get past her, than she would fly. It's not only dust mites that are an allergan. The protein in the rabbit's saliva can cause an allergic reaction. Which is what has happened to me. sniffle wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Angora fiber - felted in storage!
Angora rabbits have mites not dander and if you across flakey stuff -- you might be inclined to call it dander. I beg to differ. Anything with skin is going to have dander. Dander is nothing more than dead skin cells, being sluffed off by the body. wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Angora fiber - felted in storage!
I have a bunny blend - wool, silk, angora... We must be twins! I have the same product, and it sort of semi-felted also. I didn't know hubby had put something on top of the blend, that sort of did the semi-felting for me. I figured I'd pick mine as a part as I can get it (in between sneezes, I've developed an allergy to all things bunny), and perhaps blend the bits into a batt, for designer yarn. wrnk d2
[fibernet] Re: betel nuts Lime
...using them for dye was mentioned - the article, however, didn't detail how to do this There is a young fashion designer that is using betel nut dye on her creations. The colors were heavy on the pastel shades of blue and grey. Pretty. wrnk d2 (the requester who will probably not do any dyeing with betel nuts)
[fibernet] betel nuts Lime
Ron, Based on the bit I read about the betel nut, users will take a slice of lime, squeeze the juice over the nut, add a bit of salt (hmmm, margarita, anyone?), then pop the whole thing in their mouth and chew, chew, chew. Based solely on ignorance, if I get the energy to mess around with betel nuts as a dyeing source, I'm going to use vinegar or citric acid. I'm pretty sure that we all knew we were talking about the lime fruit. wrnk d2 (lost in a time warp)
Re: [fibernet] lime acidity
I was thinking (of course) of agricultural lime - which is used to neutralise acidic soil. Isn't English a great language ;( ? I got jumped on for suggesting someone clean their dog's paw with some hydrogen peroxide. Meaning, of course, the stuff you buy at the drug store. Someone thought I was suggesting using hydrogen peroxide at 100+ strength. The same stuff they used at their place of work, for something I don't want to know about. :) wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Re:betel nuts
As I understand it, saliva reduces the acidity in the mouth. Which I took to mean that there's a brief amount of time where the betel nut can cause redness of the teeth. Once the body starts producing enough saliva, the mouth is no longer acidic, and the dye effect is reduced. wrnk d2 The mouth is acidic when chewing betel nuts. Which (I think) causes the dyeing effect on the teeth. I'm wondering if the betel nuts could be dyed, using an acid bath. Would they need to be crushed? Does saliva create the ideal environment for dye take-up in the mouth (situation)?
Re: [fibernet] betel nuts
Just a shot in the dark, but you may need to find a betel nut beauty LOL! I don't think I want to travel that far to find a betel nut beauty! wrnk d2
[fibernet] betel nuts
I just read a L.A. Times article about betel nuts. When chewed (not something I'd recommend) the nuts stain the teeth red. Stain. That caught my eye. Before I get jumped on, yes, I know betel nuts are a mild stimulant, mildly addictive, stain the teeth red, and cause mouth cancer, when chewed. I'm not advocating that they be chewed by anyone. Think dye for fiber. The mouth is acidic when chewing betel nuts. Which (I think) causes the dyeing effect on the teeth. I'm wondering if the betel nuts could be dyed, using an acid bath. Anyone got a source for betel nuts? wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Stern Tanning open again
Stern Tanning Once again the rats and me are rolling on the floor in hysterical laughter, at the thought of a drill sergeant type person sternly telling someone to, Give me 10 minutes and TAN! or you'll be doing KP for the next 3 days! As for fiber, I have been spinning a bit. Crown Mountain Farms (I think that's the name. It was a while ago and, like Denny Crane (that's Denny, Denny Crane), I have a Mad Cow afflicted brain) had a sale on Chasing Rainbows spinning fibers and yarn. Anyway, I have enough of Nancy Finn's beautiful colorways to keep me busy for about a year. I ordered the same colorways in silk/merino and in tencel/merino. Once they're spun up, I'm going to ply them together. Then, since I really don't have any plans for the yarn, I just wanted to spin it up, I'll drape the finished skeins around my neck, and dance nekkid through the house. wrnk d2 (who has had 'way too much coffee)
Re: [fibernet] WAS:wool properties Now: weeps not sweeps
George's guitar did not sweep... Well, damn! What good was the thing? -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Fw: Kevin Kell by Bill Holbrook
I'm gobsmacked. I've never this strip! I've just giggled my way through 9/95. My sides hurt. Thanks for the posting! -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] BL question
I find that I can't spin her wool with the small amount of crimp (3-4 per inch, tops) at that short length (4-5) without putting in so much twist that it's wiry. I don't consider a staple length of 4-5 as short. I've read that any staple longer than 5, poses a carding problem. More importantly, I question the idea of shearing these particular sheep once a year. If they have a 6 month staple of 4-5, a 12 month staple length could reach 10. The weight alone, of wool up to 10 long, could compromise the health of the sheep. That's an incredible burden for the sheep. I would expect that there would be health and nutrition problems in maintaining good healthy sheep and their fiber, if they were only sheared once a year or every 9 months or so. But, since you said the BL in the US are no longer producing carpet wool, but a softer wool, I'm wondering why you want the longer staple length. I don't understand why you have to put so much twist into a fiber that, while not as soft as cormo, is a much softer fiber that shouldn't require that much twist in it. As for the crimp, what does crimp have to do with the ability to spin a fiber? Mohair has very little crimp. Ditto with any of the other long wools. It's my understanding that crimp becomes unimportant to the ability to spin a fiber, when the staple length is 4-5 long. But, if you want to experiment with her sheep, and she's willing, ask her to pick one sheep and not shear it for x amount of months. You'll need to keep an eye on the sheep, and its wool growth. That would enable you to extrapolate what would happen if the entire herd was shorn once a year. BTW, you can tell her that there's one spinner that would be interested in buying some fiber from her--moi. :) -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Designs by Robert Lee Son
But it's started making a chattering noise when I'm plying (counterclockwise). You should have received some paper work, when you bought the Woolee Winder. That has the answers to all your questions, about oiling the winder. If you're like me, you put it in a safe place, and can't find it. You can call or email Robert Lee Sons. They have a web site, where you can leave an email. There's also a phone number. So you don't have to do any research. Just ask the company for answers! :) wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] snail pattern (fwd)
Mirjam, Thanks for the pattern! I like snails and slugs. Oh. Wait. This pattern is for the garden kind. I thougt, at first, that the pattern was designed to look like some supervisors I'd worked with. Wow! A pink snail, with a violet shell. It should go nicely with the fun fur rat pattern. -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Re: Shetland fleeces for sale
I thought this was a 'no sales' list. Has that changed? I've got lots of wool related items I'd like to sell. -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] fiber diameter again
A neat experiment that would prove whether or not fibers from sheep were finer in periods of the last thousand years or not would be to compare micron tests of HUMAN hair from those periods in those same finds as the wool to that of today. I don't believe that you can compare sheep wool to human hair. They're both completely different from each other. One is hair, one is, well, wool. Each species ate different types of food. Well, wait. I've been reading Franklin's blog. Dolores VanHoofen may be a throwback to those ancient sheep. Perhaps there were some ancient sheep that did indeed go about plundering and pillaging, quaffing bad beer, and chowing down on greasy food. Perhaps they kept herds of sheep that produced the finer diameter wool. wrnk d2
[fibernet] touching 2000
I don`t know if i ever told here how THrilling it was to touch a 2000 years old tectile I read that and felt a small thrill run through me. Imagine being able to touch, not just look, at something that was 2000 years old. I imagine your thrill was much the same as mine, when a book seller let me fondle a 600 year old book. wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Anatomy of a lip
It doesn't say the lip is cleft. Of course it doesn't. It's written by a vet. They use medical terminology. For those of us not trained in medicalese, 'cleft lip' works just fine. -- wrnk d2
[fibernet] farmers and scientists
Every once and a while you se something on TV were they have just figured out something about farm animals that farmers have always known. We always wonder how much research money was spent figuring out some of these things. I think that all MDs, or perhaps a special branch of MDs, should have to take some animal science classes. There's knowledge in vet medicine that can be applied to human medicine. For instance, I was stunned to have my microbiology instructor tell the class that surgery had to be done on humans to a) determine if there were endoparasites and b) to remove the endoparasites, if present. Stupid me, I raised my hand and asked if anyone had thought to get, and study, a fecal smear, to determine if there were parasitic eggs. I got a blank look from the instructor and a, 'I don't know what you're talking about.' reply wrnk d2 (wondering if humans could take the same meds that are used to rid animals of endoparasites)
Re: [fibernet] philtrum
If you look up philtrum in wikipedia, it is defined as the little groove below the nose in humans. Humans can also have cleft palate or hare lip - - an abnormality, fortunately correctable by surgery. That's it! That's what it's called! Yep. A groove. I used to think it was just something there for kid's snot to run down. Made it easier to wipe their noses. I can remember what an uvula is, but not a philtrum. wrnk d2
[fibernet] cleft lip
I don't know that I call it a cleft lip. I was reading with a preemie lamb on my lap and the cat beside me and the cat has more of a cleft then the lamb however it probably depends on what you think o as a cleft lip. I think the problem arises from the fact that when we hear cleft lip or cleft palate, it's always referred to as a deformity. So, when we heard that sheep have a cleft lip, we thought deformity, not a description of the construction of sheep lips. As long as we're on cleft, quick! think of the number of handsome men you've seen, or met, who have a cleft chin. Would you consider that a deformity? -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] fiber diameter
like the eash of Holly, Were you dipping into the medicinal brandy, while writing this? gdr -- wrnk d2
Re: Scarves: was: Or TOC was Re: [fibernet] toque
Oh, the subtle differences in meaning! A babushka was something worn by mostly German Jews. At least in our part of the country. Along with saying 'babushka', were the unspoken words that equated babushka with warmth, safety, affection, unconditional acceptance, etc., because that's the way the person who wore a babushka treated us. On 3/11/08 11:12 AM, Mirjam Bruck-Cohen wrote: In the late 40s 50s you wore Big heads scarves that bundled your hair Amazing. There must have been another shift in meaning. Babushka was what people called head scarves after they went out of style -- wrnk d2
Re: Or TOC was Re: [fibernet] toque
In the late 40s 50s you wore Big heads scarves Up into the early 60's. There was an art to wearing one. I envied the women who could wear one, and tie a perky bow, and not have the scarf slide off their hair. We used them to cover up the hair curlers. And whispering There was a time when we washed our hair once a week. That's where the line, 'Oh, I'm sorry, Doofus. I can't go out with you Saturday night. I have to wash my hair.' came from. And Doofus accepted the reason and walked away. Can you see a sheep trying that line. 'Oh, no, Farmer Brown! I can't be sheared today! I have to wash my fleece first! And you know how long it takes my fleece to dry out. Try me next week, would you?' wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Free New Embroidery Design
Sure...what is your constructive suggestion? I don't have one. I removed him. He came back. I banned him. He came back. I've had to set up my lists so that new member messages are moderated. That works. wrnk (who wants a really big hammer spammers' heads) d2
Re: [fibernet] Free New Embroidery Design
I have to okay new members on my list, because of this idiot. I watch for messages like the one below. SPAMMER Dear Owner I�m working in spin and I would like to join to your group, benefit and amazing groups. I will be happy if you accept my request to join your group. Sincerely And actually, all that needs to be done, is moderate new member posts. It's much easier to do that, than to moderate membership and moderate posts. wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Free New Embroidery Design
I, for one, am really tired of this guy trying to join lists that I own One more reason to keep the member list hidden. These people get on a list, and then milk the membership list for spamming. What an evil laugh! I know I'm impressed. I'll tell you anything you want to know. Except where the chocolate stash is kept. wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Free New Embroidery Design
This creep has been plastering lists with this ad. Different email each time he posts. Same message. Hello All, Today we have new Good and Free Embroidery Design, you would have to visit our web site and enjoy with a lot of best free daily designs. http://www.bestembroiderydesign.snble.com http://www.embroideryfiles.snble.com We're waiting your comments
Re: [fibernet] alpaca question
Maybe quiviut? The last time I purchased quiviut, about 15 years ago, it was $18/oz. I think it's up to the stars by now. Doesn't alpaca generally run $15 an ounce in the raw state? I can find prices that range from $2-5/oz. wrnk d2
[fibernet] alpaca question resolved
Are you saying that there was more than 2 oz of VM? That is a problem It turns out that the seller didn't check his description of the bumps. Turns out that each bump weighs 6 oz., not half a pound. So he's begun the process of correcting the error. He's going to send me some more of the roving, to make up for what wasn't in the original bump. He also understood about the VM. His email, accepting full responsibility for the VM and the underweight bumps, was a delight to read. I'll be doing more business with him. wrnk d2
[fibernet] alpaca question
All, I recently purchases some alpaca roving. The fiber had been mill prepared, and was very nice looking, in the photos on the web site. Here's the description: Price for each bump is $15. Average bump weight is approximately one-half pound. I was truly amazed at how much VM was in the fiber. I pulled out a lot of VM. Some of the pieces were over an inch long, others were tiny foxtails. I have one bobbin of fiber. The yarn weighs 4.46 oz. I know it's possible to lose some fiber during the spinning process. But that much? I really want to contact the vendor, but I don't know what to say, because I'm not sure if this much loss in weight is normal, or to be expected. Any input welcome. Thanks! wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] alpaca question
Hi Dianne, Sometimes the producers actually get fooled too because they think they have done a good job skirting and the way the machines work when the fiber comes back the edges don't have the vm -- it all falls inside somehow. That's exactly where the VM was found. Some of the smaller bits made their way to the outside of the roving. The larger bits, over an inch, were in the middle, looking as if they'd been moved there by the carding process. The bump was lighter than 8 oz. when I received it. I chalked it up to the 'approx.' half pound description. I didn't expect to wind up with almost less than 2 oz. due to the VM. I know how to look at fiber and examine it for defects and VM. This time I based my purchase on the web site. It's gorgeous. It's set up well, and does a good job at showing the products for sale. Descriptions were succinct. They just failed to mention the amount of VM in the fiber. OOps. :) Thank you for your reply. It was a great help. wrnk d2 (off to contact a certain vendor)
Re: [fibernet] alpaca question
The bump weighed less than 7 oz. Once that 7 oz. was spun, the as yet unwashed yarn, weighs 4.46 oz. A loss of almost 2 oz. of fiber. FWIW, I wouldn't have minded if the seller had mentioned that there was VM in the fiber. I've purchased fiber with that caveat, and I haven't complained. The bump was lighter than 8 oz. when I received it. I chalked it up to the 'approx.' half pound description. I didn't expect to wind up with almost less than 2 oz. due to the VM. OK, now I'm confused. You said you ended up with 4.46 oz yarn on the bobbin. How is this almost less than 2 oz? -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Re: removing list from Grouply
Yeah. I was surprised that one of my groups, with no one using a grouply address, had all its messages deleted from grouply. Makes me wonder if I should houseclean all my lists. After selecting Disable be sure the box to delete all your messages is checked so your archives can be removed Did that for RomneySheep. Received a message yesterday that all messages had been deleted from Grouply. Were RomneySheep messages there to begin with, I don't know -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] Fibernet information
We removed those persons as FiberNet subscribers. I'm curious as to why you removed those persons. I have some members on one of my lists, who has been a member for over 5 years. I just noticed that the person has a Grouply address. Is there some damage that a member can do to a list, if they're using a Grouply address? we also placed FiberNet on a Grouply prohibited status meaning that Fibernet messages and other information will not be included in Grouply's mailings to it's users. I take this to mean that you followed the Grouply instructions on how to disable the Grouply functions? If that's not what you did, please let me know how to put a list on a Grouply prohibited status. 'Prohibitied status'. That sounds so, so, so...words fail me. wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] removing list from Grouply
Interesting. You have to submit each list you own, in order to get an authorization code for each list. One code doesn't work for all of the owner's lists. Time consuming. http://www.grouply.com/owner_controls.php?r=1. After selecting Disable be sure the box to delete all your messages is checked so your archives can be removed -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] math help, Thank you!
You've got it backward - one kilogram = 2.2 pounds. Now you know why I needed help with my math. :) wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] math help, Thank you!
The exact formula reads: yarn = 2000 yards per pound Er, it should read: yarn = 2600 yards per pound. 600 yds. is a significant number, for the purposes of this problem. wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] math help, please
Mirjam, 28.35 grams/ounce One of our pounds = 2.2 kilograms You should have seen me in school, trying to figure out what dose of medicine to give a 65 Lb. dog, when the required dose was 5 mg/kg. THAT I could do. Then I forgot how to do it. :) wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] math help, please
Because of the 10% difference between English and Metric measures, the yards per pound is almost exactly the meters/500g. In this case, divide the 2600/500 for yards per gram and multiply by the number of grams. Yeah. Uh hu. Okaaay. Whatever you say. But I'm afraid. Very afraid. I can't see metric numbers. wrnk d2
[fibernet] math help, Thank you!
My thanks to all of you who helped math phobic me, with my math problem. It's truly appreciated. For those who want chocolate, send me your address. I have a line on some of chocolate that's dark chocolate w/lavender and other strange (to me) food pairings. And thanks again! wrnk d2
[fibernet] math help, please
I could probably do this problem, if I could stop thinking of it as a word problem in Algebra 1. !pleH Please! I have some yarn that, according to the balance scale, is 2600 yds/lb. I have 4.56 oz. spun up. Now, I know that I should be able to take those measurements and be able to figure out how many yards I have in 4.56 oz. Alas, I can't. Can anyone else figure it out, and please give me the answer? I'll send you lots of cyber hugs. Ok. Chocolate. I'll send you chocolate. :) wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] RE website glitch
...no suprise that MS IE can't be bothered to display things according to html/xhtml web standards, of course! Er, I use MS IE exclusively. It worked fine on your site. wrnk d2 PS You have got to stop making absolute statements. :)
Re: [fibernet] weaving puzzle
Diego Velázquez was a very influential Spanish painter. Putting the title of 'The Weavers' on his painting, was probably a bit of artist's license. It's a beautiful puzzle. $180 is a bit out of my price range though. :) -- wrnk d2
Re: [fibernet] weaving puzzle
Did you notice that it was 10,000 pieces d2?! No, I missed it. That must have been when my eyeballs went into shock, after seeing the $180 price tag. There's not a table big enough, to hold a 10,000 piece puzzle. At least, not in my house. But wait! If I had a table big enough for a 10,000 piece puzzle, I'd have a place to block my hand knit shawls! wrnk d2
Re: marketing a fiber festival
Please, I need suggestions regarding a brochure, if you have any! Go to any Kinkos (or any copy/print store) and tell them what you need to do. They'll have a very large base to choose from. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Ivomec Plus/ clorsulon not approved in sheep
Ivomec Plus contains ivermectin plus clorsulon, a drug to control liver flukes in cattle. It is not approved in sheep. Yes! Any other use of it is considered 'off label', as the company hasn't and won't, do any clinical trials on other species. The company did manage to con vets into extrapolating doses for cats and dogs. The company assured the vets that the product would not become an over the counter drug, in order to get their co-operation. If an animal dies from an adverse reaction to Ivomec, there's no recourse for the animal owner, unless the animal was bovine. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Ivomec Plus/ clorsulon not approved in sheep
ACK!! My most humble apologies to the list and the list owner. That message was supposed to go private. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Judith MacKenzie MacCuin's article on organic wool
Ivermectin is very safe I strongly disagree with this statement. Ivermectin is a powerful drug and needs to be used responsibly and safely. I know Ron doesn't want discussions of this nature on the list. I'd be happy to discuss it off list. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Judith MacKenzie MacCuin's article on organic wool
CLAP, CLAP, CLAP Well said, Holly. Thank you! wrnk d2 Routine antibiotic use makes for resistant bacteria. We all know this. Routine wormer use makes for resistant parasites. We all know this, too. But many of us don't know that the residues of wormers negatively impact beneficial creatures in the soil the manure lands on. Without the soil being happy and healthy, ain't nobody gonna be happy and healthy! To assume sheep will not be healthy and productive just because they're not routinely injected with chemicals of doubtful use is really a very large assumption. To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Environmentally Friendly Textiles
I'm curious as to how textiles cam become environmentally friendly. I can understand that managing animal waste, in the case of fiber animals, would be a subject of concern. I know people who would be happy to get elephant poop for their gardens. They might be willing to lower their expectations, and settle for sheep, llama, or other fiber animal poop. What else could someone, raising animals for fiber, do to produce an environmentally friendly fiber for textile? I also have to admit that I perceive this 'environmentally friendly textiles' subject, as just one more piece of hype. IMP, it's a subject that is being used by groups who want to be in the public spotlight, even if only for a few moments. When I first started spinning, mumble mumble years ago, spinning was touted as being earth and animal friendly. The thought being that the wool was collected from the sheep, w/o having to slaughter the animal. A renewable source, avaialble w/o bloodshed. Judith McKenzie had an article in the last Spin Off (I think) about 'green' fiber production. I'm afraid the whole gist of the article was lost on me. I just can't see how this area can get any greener. Of course, if we're talking mills, etc., who process huge amounts of fiber for the spinning community, then we may be talking about something entirely different, in terms of 'environmentally friendly textiles'. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Ideas requested for successful Knitting Retreat
Where do you all usually find good instructors and vendor to teach classes? I imagine instructors can be expensive. I'd love to organize one in my area. You don't need to have vendors, or 'name' instructors. Basically, if you announce a fiber function, at a reasonable rate per person, they will flock to the function. As for 'name' instructors, you will be able to find local people who know as much, sometimes more, than a 'name' instructor. What's important to us, is just getting together with other like minded people. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Ideas requested for successful Knitting Retreat
Oh boy! Ted's gonna have a knitting retreat! If he's gonna be there, I'm gonna be there! me and rats doing a happy knitting retreat rhumba around the computer Seriously Ted, I think if you announce that you're going to have a knitting retreat, people will come. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: sorry!!
I am so very sorry!! that was a mistake! That wasn't meant for the list Glad you made the mistake. I enjoyed reading it. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Need a home for the crockpot dyeing files (somewhat OT)
WOW! I sure hope somone adopts your instructions, Glenna! wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
RE: Spin Off survey: Shetland = a down breed?
Reading the British wool classifications they seem to mix the criteria. If you classify by where a sheep originated then none of the categories should be fine. I don't understand why you would want to classify sheep by where they originated unless all the breeds from that area have the same grade of wool or meat. Clearly they don't, so what is the point of the classification that doesn't tell you anything about the sheep I'm fairly certain that those designations have been used in Britain for centuries. If you use the British wool classifications for breeds found in Britain, the classifications are probably as accurate as possible, for UK sheep breeds. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Spin Off survey: Shetland = a down breed?
If anyone looks in the British Wool Marketing Board's publications, it becomes clear that the sorting is by breed/area, not by what US spinners decide is the wool type. Once again, even though we speak the same language, we don't. :) I wasn't able to access the SO survey page, so I'm going blind here. Would it be better to start describing U.S. sheep by the qualities that spinners want? Some British sheep breeds, bred here in the U.S. for/by hand spinners, are often missing the traits of the British breed. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: fiber for beginners
Columbian fleece? Great to spin! Karakul? Yes, I like spinning it also. I think, as long as we're giving advice on which fiber is best for a beginner, that we should provide information on the use of some those wools. Karakul looks great on the sheep, but, in general, is a harsh fiber more suited to carpets. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
RE: Handwoven SpinOff
Ditto with the latest black white issue. After all the discussion about the b w issue of Handwoven, I looked through it at the local Border's. I like b w. I think it's very Deco and retro. I liked the projects in Handwoven. Not all of them, but enough of them that, if I were a weaver, I'd purchase the magazine and attempt to do some of the projects. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: article about gutter ganseys in IWK winter 06
a young Bedouin soldier , he asked politely what i was knitting , then asked if he can take my photo on his Cellular , than phoned his mother sitting in her tent spinning and showed her my picture sitting in the train knitting Incredible, Mirjam! A cell phone and a tent. I'm going to be repeating this. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: barbados blackbelly
The Fleece of these animals is of no commercial value and in most cases is Simply shed each year Holy Sheepskin! These sheep shed their wool? How many sheep breeds do that? Other than the big horn sheep? Interesting! How often do they shed their wool? Once a year? Twice? wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: article about gutter ganseys in IWK winter 06
On page 35 is a picture in black and white, showing one man and some women, most of them with their knitting in the hands. Except that nobody would ever be posing for such a photograph these days, displaying this kind of spare time activity The knitting was done in their spare time. Or, they might be professonal knitters, who did nothing but knit. I have a friend who always has knitting in her hands, or easy to get her hands on. There are people who are almost fanatics about knitting. Take away their knitting needles, and they start to foam at the mouth. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Merino sox
I foolishly allowed a skien of incredibly gorgeous merino handdyed sock yarn to work its Siren magic on me (it wasn't my fault, really. It was crying sooo loudly!). So now I HAVE to knit it up. You can't fool me peering into your knitting bag. I know it's here somewhere peering under the skein. I will find it searching all over! I just know that merino was dancing with chocolate, while singing its siren song! holding out hand Share, please. The members of the STKS list don't seem to have a problem w/merino socks. Although the more experienced member just mentally roll their eyes, they do suggest blending the merino with a sturdier fiber. I adore Judith MacKenzie! I took one of her sock classes at BSG, in Oregon. I think she showed us a sock that had been knit centures ago. It was made from cotton. It was obviously well worn, with darning spots all over it, not just on the sole. It fit Judith's tiny foot, as if it had been made for her. She is just an outstanding instructor, and a truly marvelous and genuinely nice person. Nope. Sorry. I can't tell you what I really think about her. :) wrnk d2 (off to the grocery store to buy some food and chocolate) To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Merino sox
But I wonder if this would not be a good idea for someone who already has a sales website set up. nodding head up and down enthusiastically OUCH! I have a headache. But it's still a good idea. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: gauges
..knit at 8 stitches to the inch... Ack! ACK! That means you nit one what? size needles? ACK! Maybe the Yarn Harlot can knit a sock a day, but I'm more a sock/year knitter. Eight stitches/inch would have me in a corner, flubbing my lips. I think you exaggerate, more than a little. I never exaggerate! Well, maybe a bit. Sort of. Ok, except for the lip flubbing, I maybe did exaggerat a little. hanging head You're knitting 8sts/inch on size 3 needles? What type yarn are you using. Yes sigh, I may have exaggerated a bit on the Yarn Harlot. She actually knits almost a sock and a half a day. If it's a bad day, she just does one sock. shaking head There are people that can do that. Not me type people. Other people. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Merino sox
..knit at 8 stitches to the inch... Ack! ACK! That means you nit one what? size needles? ACK! Maybe the Yarn Harlot can knit a sock a day, but I'm more a sock/year knitter. Eight stitches/inch would have me in a corner, flubbing my lips. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Spin-Off Magazine
Would have been more interesting if a few skeins from each 'theme' had been chosen, and those highlighted with (imagine this!) SPINNING information given about them! Not just fiber and wpi, but how the fiber was prepared, where did it come from, twist angles, how it was plied, what spinning method was used-- What a great idea! That's why that section feels so empty! No substance to it. Personally, I think someone thought that up, just so they could cut back on articles w/substance. Nothing like wasting 6 pages or so, every issue, w/yet more pages of skeins that look nice, and that's it. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: organic sheep
Grace writes: If one does not use wormers, there is likely to be a break or weak spot in the wool in some members of the flock at some times of the year. Wool break can be caused by almost anything. Stress. Which can be caused by a helicopter overhead, a missed meal, a fight with another animal, or any thing the sheep considers scary or threatening. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Spin Off
What will it look like when it's been worn a few times? Socks in particular. If I hear one more suggestion in a magazine or catalog that merino will work well for socks, I may explode. You need to come over to the SpinToKnitSocks list, Holly. No recommendations of merino. Lots of talk about using Romney or mohair blends. But not merino. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: organic sheep
I do find the designation organic sheep somehow misleading and confusing - Here in CA, the term 'organic' has been codified into law. Organic means no chemicals of any kind. Nothing but earth and water, and perhaps mulch made the home made way. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Spin-Off Magazine
Every time I go to let it lapse though, I change my mind at the last minute, thinking it's better than nothing, but I'm not thrilled with them. Me, too! Hubby always ask if I want to renew, and I just put it off, and put it off. My thinking is that maybe they'll print something wonderful, and I'll miss it. So far, that hasn't happened. I have some very early back issues of SO. I was surprised to read them, and find much the same kind of articles in those early ones, as we see now. Would someone please tell me that they're as bored with looking at the skeins that readers send in, as I am? Once was interesting. Twice was ok. The third time was yawn boring. OTH, the magazine does address spinning, and what can be created from handspun. To me, it's not just about spinning. It's what to do with the variety of skeins I have, insulating the house. Or what I can do with unspun fiber, besides insulating the house. Felting is a way to reduce the fiber stash. I'm glad SO has felting articles. I'll never do that kind of felting, but it's nice to know that there's an alternative to spinning it up, and knitting something with it. Surprises from Spin Off: the issue that had a black woman on the cover. In the 20 years I've been a subscriber, I'd never seen a black on the cover. It hasn't happened again. Disappointing. The recent issue that had the article on machine knitting/felting. I don't know who did the cover picture, but I don't think anyone could have come with a more awkward, graceless way for the model to stand. All I could think of, was the Wicked Witch, when she tried to use the ruby slippers. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Spin Off
Several years ago I commented in a letter to the editor at Spin Off how I thought the quality was going down hill and the publication was becoming pedestrian (not exactly how I put it, think I said it no longer inspired me like it used to). I remember that letter! I thought the letter was well done. To me, you seemed to be writing from sorrow that the magazine's standards had fallen. I was BLASTED in a reply letter to the editor telling me it was MY fault I wasn't inspired and I should instead be helping and teaching others. Thhpptt. I read that one, too. I didn't perceive the contents of the letter as being constructive, just destructive and self-serving. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Ivermectin
I use Ivermectin occasionally for our livwestock, and find it useful stuff - but my DH inadvertantly overdosed our newly acquired collie - and made him pretty darn sick (d#$% near killed him, in fact)! I used to know a catchy little rhyme about giving Ivermectin to collies, and other dogs similar to collies. It started out with '3 white feet... and I forget the rest. g wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: RoboMaid
The Great Guru of the list said: Apparently the RoboMaid floor duster is only sold in the US via TV infomercials and suspect mail order places. If anyone ever sees one in a real store, let us know. There are stores that have the name 'As Seen On TV.' We have one in one of the too many malls in this part of CA. While I haven't been in the store, I have it on good authority that anything seen on TV, can be found in these stores. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: pricing used equipment
I also sold my old Incredible Sweater Machine on ebay. Even though I'd paid probably ~$250 for the equipment when I bought it, I knew this item was discontinued (hard to get spare parts) and not very popular even at its peak. The Bond company has come out with, I think, at least 3 other models of the Sweater Machine. All of the parts are interchangeable with the older machines. New machines, available at Joann's, sell for around $159-165. Most people wait until they have a 40% off coupon, before they'll buy a Bond machine at Joann's. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: sweater machine
Now I doodle along with my LK150 (or should I say LK300 b/c I bought two of those, too?!?) when the urge to machine knit strikes. The LK150 seems to be next step up from the Bond. Most people get rid of their Bonds, and switch over the LK150. I have 3 Bonds that I can hook together. Every one of them a different color. I can only use 2, since I don't have anything long enough, or a room long enough, to use 3 hooked together. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: fiber content?
I have to ask. Why would one iron a perma-press shirt? Ancient history, Ron. g Perma-press shirts, if left too long in the 'folding' area, can get perma-press wrinkles, that only an iron would smooth out. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Mazurka
Bill of Copper Moose, my local Kromski dealer, I love that man! One of the best vendors around. Usual disclaimers. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Drudik wheels
He also described a way to set it up for scotch tension, using (if I'm imagining correctly) free-swinging weights instead of a spring to provide tension. Yup,yup,yup. That's what he showed me, when I picked up my wheel. I haven't tried it yet. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: natural dye for brown
Be sure to leave the tea in the bags, and if using coffee, put it into a bag, otherwise you'll be picking crud out of the wool for a LONG time. Don't ask me how I know this G LOL! Reminds me of the time I decided to help the felting process in the washing machine, by adding a few heavy towels. I got felt speckled with terry cloth bits. wrnk d2 To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
Re: Follow-up
June, Sometimes I use a bit of alcohol on a cotton swab to get in the tight spaces. Other than that, I use a paper towel. I pull it through anything I can pull it through, to make sure I've got as much gunk as possible. I think you said you're the 3rd owner of this wheel? If it's still pretty much new, as in it hasn't been used all that much, the black gunk may be 'new wheel' gunk. All the parts haven't settled into place yet, so there's some friction, which is producing gunk. Does that make sense? wrnk d2 (working on a cup of coffee) To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
