Four factors are considered in the classification of wool fibres; count, staple length, crimp and lustre: Count: The traditional classification of wool fibre was done using the ‘Bradford Count’ which represented the greatest length of yarn that could be spun from 1lb (454g) of the wool fibre. The fibre was spun into yarn which was […]
Category Archives: Fibres
08
Jul
Jul
The glistening and iridescent Angelina fibres can be used for a number of craft applications. Here we demonstrate how fast and simple it is to fuse Angelina fibres to create a sheet of “paper” which can then be cut to shape and glued, or stitched into like a piece of cloth. You can choose from […]
28
Aug
Aug
Dye-Lishus Cotton Sliver is an undyed, PFD (prepared for dyeing) cotton fibre that has been treated to accept dye colour directly using any dye stuff. The cellulose structure is changed so that it behaves as if scoured and mordanted in preparation for dyeing before it goes to the mill; there is no chemical added to […]
13
Dec
Dec
Simple and effective Christmas Wreath decorations made from Merino Wool Tops by Cara and Jo Barrell. How to Make the Christmas Wreath You will need a framework on which to attach the wool tops, and these can be found in floristry sections in garden centres. If you can’t find one, you can bend a […]
19
Jun
Jun
Prepared Wool Fibres Wool fibres that have been washed and carded into a roving are commonly known as Wool Tops. The fibres are prepared so that the wool tops are consistent in their staple length and count. The Bradford count (see more about the classification of wool fibres) of fibre fineness is sometimes used in […]
17
Jun
Jun
Susan Litton shows us how to prepare a silk hanky ready for spinning. A silk hanky is produced from a silk cocoon and is made up of one continuous gossamer thread. The sericin (the glue that keeps the cocoon together) is removed from the cocoon by simmering it for 30 – 45 minutes in a solution […]
16
Jun
Jun
Silk papermaking (or silk fusion) is similar to Papier-mache. The fibres are sandwiched between two pieces of mesh netting and then stuck together using an adhesive, such as CMC paste or watered down PVA glue. Other items can be included with the silk fibres, such as dried petals and skeleton leaves, or the silk papermaking […]
11
Jun
Jun
These luxurious Fibrecrafts fibres are available in a variety of forms and each is the result of different stages in the silk production. The silk fibres can be dyed to vibrant colours using Acid dyes and the reflective light qualities of the fibre add further dimensions. These silk tops have been hand-dyed and are available […]
10
Jun
Jun
We had great fun making this fish at an experimental tapestry weaving workshop. You can use any flexible materials to weave, so exploring the craft doesn’t have to be expensive. For this project we used lengths of left over yarns and wool tops, the technique would work equally well with ribbons, laces, string or strips […]
10
Jun
Jun
Fibrecrafts Reeled Silk is the finest quality filament silk, containing 25% sericin and suitable for silk papermaking or couching. After degumming, the silk fibre can be dyed and spun to a lustrous yarn. The Silk Throwsters Waste, Carded Cocoon Strippings, Silk Carrier Rods and Cocoons all contain the naturally occuring sericin which is the glue […]