Pink Fluff and Farm Pics

We all seem to be having a bit of a struggle to get back in the swing of things after the holidays. I guess it was just too relaxing around here over the Christmas/New Years break.

Well, since moving the carder into my store area, I've been working at getting this batch of pink fluff completed. The store area has a lot less static than the rest of the house, due to our heating area, so I hope it will increase my production of fibre this winter.

What starts as 70% washed fine white alpaca, 20% white merino top and 10% handdyed silk (Merlot).....


gets put through my Patrick Green electric carder twice...

During the first pass, most of the bits of hay or any little second cuts get thrown off and the initial blending takes place. I do about 80 grams at a time and make a bunch of 'first-pass' batts. Then, I strip the 'first-pass' batts to refeed through the carder for the second pass. The second pass throws almost all remaining bits of matter and improves the blending of the colours.


Usually, I pull the fibre off into rovings. I spun for from batts for a long time, but customers mostly prefer rovings.

So, this ends up as pink fluffy rovings....

This looks like cotton candy in real life.

I've been back at the weaving studio. I've put a lovely scarf warp of heron and mint dyed alpaca. I hope to get pictures here soon.

Here's my little Vivaldi, looking through the pen gate. Keep in mind that he has already had his morning pellets. Can't you just picture him as Oliver Twist in the orphanage scene "Please, Sir, I want more?"....