Hey Agents!

I’m afraid that episode 4 will be delayed until my voice finds its way back to me. Looks as if an evening hanging out with sheep did me in.  I have a great interview from two people who have worked hard to bring the Navajo Churro breed numbers back into the thousands.  Here’s a little sneak preview until I can chat with you about them.

News:

What’s on the Wheel

Desperate Longing

Wrapped in Fire batt from Bohoknitterchic Etsy Shop

• two methods by which bamboo may be processed into fiber for fabric, both developed in China.
  • mechanical process similar to that used to process flax or hemp; the stalks are crushed and natural enzymes break them down further, allowing fibers to be combed out
  • process by which rayon is made where the fibers are broken down with chemicals and extruded through mechanical spinnerets

• Chemical processing
  • Traditional
    • “cooking” the bamboo leaves and woody shoots in strong chemical solvents such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH – also known as caustic soda or lye) and carbon disulfide in a process also known as hydrolysis alkalization combined with multi-phase bleaching
    • This is basically the same process used to make rayon from wood or cotton waste byproducts. Because of the potential health risks and damage to the environment surrounding the manufacturing facilities, textile manufacturing processes for bamboo or other regenerated fibers using hydrolysis alkalization with multi-phase bleaching are not considered sustainable or environmentally supportable.
    • the Canadian Competition Bureau and the US Federal Trade Commission, as of mid-2009, are cracking down on the practice of labeling bamboo rayon as natural bamboo fabric. Under the guidelines of both agencies these products must be labeled as rayon with the optional qualifier “from bamboo”
  • Lyocell Process
    • The lyocell process, also used to manufacture TENCEL®, uses Amine oxides.
    • Lyocell processing is substantially healthier and more eco-friendly because the amine oxides are reported to be non-toxic to humans
    • The chemical manufacturing processes are closed-loop so 99.5% of the chemicals used during the processing are captured and recycled to be used again
    • Only trace amounts escape into the atmosphere or into waste waters and waste products.

Contest Winner

References:

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For those who would like to see my lovely co-host, Yuki, I’ve caught her taking a bit of a catnap.  She is a wonderful kitty but loves to sleep on tables.

News

What’s on the Wheel?

Desperate Longing

Prime Investigation

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I just finished recording Episode 2 and plan on releasing it on Monday February 8.  My hope for all future episodes is a release every other Monday.  I do apologize for my congested voice in Episode 2.  I came down with a wicked cold that put me down for a few days.  I’m dedicated to getting the podcast out on schedule so I hope you can forgive sniffly me.

Here’s a little spinning treat for all those wanting to see what’s on the wheel.  May I present TARDIS by Corgi Hill Farms?

Talk to you on Monday!

Fiber Files – Show Notes – Episode 1

Introductions

What’s on the Wheel?

Desperate Longing

Prime Investigation: Wool Types

Fine Wools:

This is any wool with a micron count of 18 – 24 or a Bradford Count of less than 64.

Micron Definition: Unit of measure like a centimeter or inch. This is actually a micrometer = 1,000,000th of a centimeter.

Bradford Definition:The Bradford system (also known as the English Worsted Yarn Count System or spinning count or Bradford count) is a way to assess the quality of wool.

English wool handlers in the city of Bradford described wool by estimating (with experienced eyes) how many 560-yard hanks of single strand yarn could be made by a good spinner from a pound of “top.” (Top is cleaned combed wool with the fibers all parallel) The finer the average diameter of a single wool fiber, the more hanks could be spun. From a pound of “64s,” for example, sixty-four such hanks could be made (more than 20 miles!). From the finest wools, more than 80 hanks could be spun; from the strongest, perhaps 36 or fewer. Using ranges denoted by the stronger end (that is “44s” ran up to “46s”) wool lots were classified and prices derived.

Examples: Merino, Rambouillet, Cormo

Characteristics: Low micron count / high Bradford count.  Tight crimp and short blocky staples.  Oft times very greasy fleeces.  Felts easily.

Uses:  Next to the skin garments.

Down Wools:

Long Wools:

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