Paws 2 SpindleDec 5

A request for dog owners and the canine-adjacent: do you have medium/long dog fur I can test fiber prep on?

I've been talking with Baruch of Bam Fiber Works, where I got my double-row extra-fine combs for working with Oni's long Tibetan Mastiff fur, and we're both interested in testing out single-row combs instead. I got the double-row combs to work, but there was more effort and waste than desired. Baruch made me an offer I couldn't refuse: if I purchased a set of single-row extra-fine combs, he'd toss in a set of single-row fine combs for free -- as long as I provided feedback on how they compared.

The problem: I don't have any more of Oni's fur left to test on until next spring!

Sure, I could go back and re-comb the finished top, but I would like to truly start fresh with un-prepared fur.

ALSO, while I'm at it, I'd like to try OTHER dog breeds and fur lengths. Baruch is interested in getting more information he can share with other customers curious about working with their own dogs' fur. This is just the kind of research project I love to do!

So, please share this post and/or contact me if you are interested in providing test samples.

More in 🧵 ...

#HandSpinning #FiberArts #Chiengora @fiberarts

Show threadPaws 2 SpindleDec 5

Baruch has a great video on YouTube where he explains and compares the different tine widths and arrangements, and what each is best for. He prepares various fibers on each of the combs, describing how they behave during combing, and also comparing the results side by side. It's a great resource!

My goal is to do something similar, but for different dog fur samples.

🧵 ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcwQoX5t5tI

What Wool Combs Do I Need? - How to Choose the Right Combs For Your Fiber. Side-by-side Comparisons!

YouTube
Show threadPaws 2 SpindleDec 5

So far, I've been working at the extremes of the spinnable canine range. I'd love to get more long fur, but I'm also interested in working with fur that falls in the middle of the range.

I started with our huskies' fur, which is ~2" (5cm) and too short for combs. It's even difficult to get to behave properly on a drum carder. So, I've been using cotton combs for my husky fur prep.

Oni's fur is 6-8" (15-20cm), nice and long with a touch of crimp. It's much slipperier than wool for spinning, and I was surprised to find it gripping in my combs as hard as it did.

I'd love to get my hands on other long fur like Great Pyrenees or Newfoundland, but also medium lengths. What staple length is too short for combing to be worthwhile?

Ping me if you want to share!

End 🧵 ...?

Show threadPaws 2 SpindleDec 6

If you are the owner of this Great Pyrenees, I'd LOVE to get some fur to try spinning! It looks so long and soft.

DM me!

(Just be safe...)

https://tiggi.es/@damnbear/115663883576399746

Show threadGremlins, Inc. (it/its) ♿ 🖕Dec 6
@Paws2Spindle I've unironically spun bear fur before (black bear though!) and while it was oh my god SO STINKY it was also pretty nice!
Show threadPaws 2 Spindle

@gremlins That sounds like a fun project! How did you get access to the fur?

I have no idea what their coats are like. Are they double-coated, and if so, did you separate out the undercoat for spinning?

Dec 6 at 7:30pmWeb
Show threadGremlins, Inc. (it/its) ♿ 🖕Dec 6
@Paws2Spindle bears have a crapton of guard hairs but when one of my friends went hunting he saw a bunch of undercoat stuck to the trees where an itchy bear had been running around scratching itself, so he thought of me and scooped it all up mid-hunt!! it was really thoughtful 🥺
Show threadPaws 2 SpindleDec 6

@gremlins That is an awesome friend to have! And a great way to get de-haired undercoat from a large predator! I'm jealous.

Do you post about your fur spinning? I'm curious to see this bear yarn and what you did with it!