MEETING RECAP: February & March

Didn't make it to the meeting? No problem, catch up here! We are trying something new with the blog and will be adding meeting recaps with photos from each month's activities. 

February:

In February, one of our new members brought in her German Angora rabbit for a breed study and shearing demonstration. Angora is a luxury fiber known for its softness, warmth, and lightness. German Angoras are a breed that must be shorn rather than plucked (unlike some other Angora breeds). Her German angora, Jaskier, was very well-behaved for the shearing demonstration. 

Jaskier pre-shearing

Mid-shearing

Jaskier with his new haircut

Members were able to take some of the fiber with them to practice blending and spinning Angora. It is recommended to blend with fine wool to add some memory. Even just 30% Angora is enough to produce an incredibly soft yarn!

March:

In March, we learned about cable yarns. These are a type of art yarn created by plying together multiple 2-ply yarns. Starting with a small sample of wool (two colors), we spun up some cable yarn on a single bobbin, which included a refresher on Andean plying. Then, we practiced spinning Muga silk over the fold and made some beautiful cable yarns that looked just like gold chains.

Silk-spinning in action

Spinning silk & completed wool cable

Completed wool and silk cable yarns