Kate writes: << I would not say that carding a very soft, lofty fleece and then trying to spin it into a tough, hardwearing outer garment yarn should get the same consideration as someone who chooses a machine prepared roving of suitable breed and prep for the same job. >>
Handcarded yarns (I'm assuming that's what you were referring to) of soft fibers can easily be made into a tough, hardwearing outer garment if the finished garment is then heavily fulled. If the key word is 'carded', woolen garments were often treated that way. If the key word is 'soft', fine fibers full more effectively than others. And if the key word is 'lofty', relatively low-twist yarns also full more effectively than tight yarns. I'm planning such a garment, although it will be drumcarded rather than hand. It's of a BL crossed with Bond, and is much like Correidale in its characteristics. I'll spin relatively low twist singles, weave the cloth, full it somewhat (probably not VERY heavily), and then cut it up and make myself a barn coat. Of course, this could take a few years to do, but then it will last a good few years too :) Holly To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
