Blackberry Dyed English Angora Rabbit Wool Roving from Woosie
SKU:
Woosie D
$6.99
$6.99
per item
This gently hand and combed harvested English angora rabbit roving was hand dyed using my own organically grown blackberries. It was a battle with the birds to collect enough blackberries to make up a nice dye pot. With the advice from my loyal supporters, I decided to try using rubber snakes. Every day either myself or my husband would move the snakes to different parts of the blackberry canes so that the birds didn't figure out what we were up to. As you might have guessed, it worked!
- Qty: Approx. 1/8 oz
- Length: Approx. 4" inches
1 available
From there I solar dyed my black tortoiseshell doe, Woosie's wool by using my green house in the summer. This kept me from needing to use the stove in my home which is not only more economically friendly, but also environmentally responsible.
Once the wool was dyed, I rinsed it and set it to dry. Once dry, I hand carded the wool into pencil rovings. I put these together until each layer weighed one eighth of an ounce.
All told, I cannot say for sure just how much time and energy went into this project. First was the collection of books on natural plant dyes, then the growing of the plants, then protection of the plants, followed by harvesting. Next are the bunnies. To care for them several times a day. To harvesting the wool when it is ready. To finally be able to create the dye pot and dye the wool. The wool is a knotted mess once out of the dye pot. Purchasing hand carders was required in order to card the mess into something beautiful. Working with fibers and spinning has never been "fast fashion" is is a slow movement as old as time. I know am thoroughly enjoying the process.
I have provided photos on several different backgrounds in hopes of helping you see the true color of this angora roving. It is a light shade of pinkish purple. I'd say it's a pastel color and I hope you agree.
If you feel like sharing what you create using my natural fibers, please contact me. I'd love to show your work.
My beautiful natural English Angora rabbit wool is gently harvested right here on my family farm. You get 100% pure fiber with nothing added. Hand and comb harvesting of the wool does not harm the rabbit and most enjoy the special attention. While I groom them I give them plenty of ear head and cheek petting which they just love.
Allergy Note:
Fiber that has been hand pulled from the rabbit is superior over shaved or clipped wool. Not only are the fibers longer, stronger and healthier; allergens are released when the hair shaft is cut or broken (as would be the case in rabbits that are shaven). So if you find you are allergic to Angora this might be why.
How to clean Angora wool sweaters & clothing
Color may bleed when washed.
Once the wool was dyed, I rinsed it and set it to dry. Once dry, I hand carded the wool into pencil rovings. I put these together until each layer weighed one eighth of an ounce.
All told, I cannot say for sure just how much time and energy went into this project. First was the collection of books on natural plant dyes, then the growing of the plants, then protection of the plants, followed by harvesting. Next are the bunnies. To care for them several times a day. To harvesting the wool when it is ready. To finally be able to create the dye pot and dye the wool. The wool is a knotted mess once out of the dye pot. Purchasing hand carders was required in order to card the mess into something beautiful. Working with fibers and spinning has never been "fast fashion" is is a slow movement as old as time. I know am thoroughly enjoying the process.
I have provided photos on several different backgrounds in hopes of helping you see the true color of this angora roving. It is a light shade of pinkish purple. I'd say it's a pastel color and I hope you agree.
If you feel like sharing what you create using my natural fibers, please contact me. I'd love to show your work.
My beautiful natural English Angora rabbit wool is gently harvested right here on my family farm. You get 100% pure fiber with nothing added. Hand and comb harvesting of the wool does not harm the rabbit and most enjoy the special attention. While I groom them I give them plenty of ear head and cheek petting which they just love.
Allergy Note:
Fiber that has been hand pulled from the rabbit is superior over shaved or clipped wool. Not only are the fibers longer, stronger and healthier; allergens are released when the hair shaft is cut or broken (as would be the case in rabbits that are shaven). So if you find you are allergic to Angora this might be why.
How to clean Angora wool sweaters & clothing
Color may bleed when washed.
Looking for dyed wool in the "raw"? This blackberry dyed wool is ready to card &/or use for art.
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Looking for more plant based colors? Then take a peek at this natural indigo dyed wool from my English Angora buck River.
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