I have been wondering about trying some more spinning experiments with waste from the overlocker and the carding process. There is nothing like yarn bombing to make me consider any kind of yarn useable! Yarn bombing is even more forgiving than teapots when it comes to the texture and qualities of the fibre concerned… and there is an argument for only using fibres that can’t be made into clothing or blankets for yarn bombing, I think. So in a burst of carding enthusiasm, I’ve been preparing batts.
First up, carding waste (corriedale dyed with eucalypt), overlocker waste (from bag making, mostly–silk, cotton, linen and some polyester blend) and some polwarth locks to hold it all together. Here it is going into the drum carder:
Carded and ready to spin.
More fabric scraps and overlocker thread in some parts than others…
While I was on the job, I carded some rough lavender wool of unknown origin. It was discarded by the felting group at the Guild: say no more! I re-washed it, which improved its texture and cleanliness somewhat…
The felters also passed on this green fibre of unknown origin, which was improved very much by re-washing and carded out beautifully. I have added dyed mohair locks and silk noil, and we’ll see if it can become a repectable art yarn.
Carding waste from those two batts and some more overlocker waste…
I’ll report back when I’ve tried turning these away from the waste stream and into something of use!
Local & Bespoke 