uummm... as a spinner I have a question about a few of your statements......
my replies are marked with ** ----- Original Message ----- From: kim baird <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > The problem with washing wool is that water and detergent both weaken > the fibers. ** This is partly true - SOME soaps are slightly harsh. But saying that - I have some wool items that my Grandmother owned and she didn't use specialty soap, nor hand washed in cold. She used her washer and warm water. They are just as sturdy as when she used them. > The effect is worsened if you add agitation to the water and detergent. ** The combination of hot water AND agitation causes felting to a degree .... I agitate my wool items in warm water and they don't shrink - (OK they first shrunk 2% but didn't after the first time). > Also, washing will remove whatever lanolin is left in the fabric. ** Usually lanolin isn't in fabric - by the time it gets to the fabric mills most of the lanolin is removed by chemical process. To the Manucturing Industry lanolin is -by far- worth more than plain ol' wool. Besides chemicals are used to strip the lanolin - so you would have to worry more about formaldehyde and other chemicals than lanolin. > Fabric made of worsted wool (such as gabardine) will not felt. Worsted > wool is only the longest, strongest, smoothest fibers from the fleece. ** Worsted is a term for the way the wool is spun/ processed - not the fibers themselves. You can spin any part of the fleece worsted. Katheryne Spinner for 12 years who is more than willing to be corrected on her fabric info _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
