All you need to know about Silk Fibres Silk fibres are prized for their luxurious handle, strength and luminous sheen. These silk fibres are available in a variety of forms, each produced at different stages of the silk production process. Silk can be dyed to vibrant shades using Acid dyes, and the reflective qualities of […]
Category Archives: Fibres
21
Oct
Oct
Britain’s native sheep breeds produce an extraordinary variety of wools — from the shimmering longwools of Yorkshire to the soft, springy fleeces of the South Downs. When prepared as tops, each fibre type reveals its true personality. This guide explores how each British wool top spins, what the finished yarn is like, and includes the […]
30
Jan
Jan
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 […]
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 […]
02
Dec
Dec
We love these fluffy Christmas decorations made from colourful Merino Wool Tops. They are so simple to make and can be created using any colour combination. Merino Wool tops are usually sent out in one continuous length. Pull apart the wool top at about 80cm, the fibres will slip away from each other with ease. […]
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. The Merino wool tops are available in a large choice of colours so you can make your wreath to tie in with your own Christmas theme. How to Make the Christmas Wreath You will need a framework on which […]
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 (the length of the individual “hairs”) and count. The Micron (mic) Count or Bradford count (see more about the classification […]
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)Â 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 […]