Knitting/Crocheting from unspun wool

Hi Ladies.

I am mostly a lurker in this realm, but I have been crocheting for 16+ years and knitting (Self taught) for almost a year now.

I picked up this month's (actually November's) Crochet! magazine and it had a nice article on crocheting from unspun wool. So I go to the local Farmer's Market for the first time over this weekend there is a YARN BOOTH. All local hand dyed yarns, most spun already, but some 'Fluffs' as she called them. I made a beeline for a bright as the sun yellow one.

So my question is does any one here knit or crochet from unspun wool and just how hard is it? I do have a hand spindle that was a wedding present from three years ago along with some undyed natural wool, but I am not brave enough to use it without major instruction (which doesn't appear to exist in my area). So if push came to shove I could spin it, but I'm not excited about using this yarn for that test.

One other question - I HAVE a huge problem with dry hands (don't let me touch silk or microfiber - it gets caught) mostly because I wash them regularly due to working with yarn on a regular basis (and I cross stitch) and I don't want to get anything on the fibers. Can you recommend anything other than udder cream?

Thank you, Jenn in CA

FYI for those interested the yarn is from a shop called Royale Hare in Santa Rosa CA.

Reply to
Jenn
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My apologies for leaving out the Gents. Your input is equally welcome.

Jenn

Reply to
Jenn

On 2 Oct 2006 10:23:10 -0700, "Jenn" spewed forth :

I do, sometimes. Most of the "unspun knitting" patterns call for pencil roving similar to White Buffalo stuff - it's been made ready for spinning and drawn out into a fine strand but doesn't actually have twist insert into it. Working with it is about as difficult as working with White Buffalo or with unspun Icelandic. There have been several articles about it in both SpinOff and Knits during the past couple of years.

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Reply to
Wooly

The White Buffalo is my 'new find' and I've been enjoying it. I do tend to twist it as I crochet as it's fairly easy to pull apart as you apply tension. I've also used an improvised drop spindle with it to add some twist.

I find the biggest issue is breakage; I'd recommend (not that I did, though) a swatch or two, just so you can get used to how much tension you can apply to the wool before it breaks...my first attempts had plenty of splicing. Even just twisting it slightly as you work (does it on its own if you're working crochet back and forth) makes a big difference.

Michelle

Reply to
Eastern Edge

have you tried just plain vaseline to moisturize your hands.

Reply to
Stella Fenley

I sometimes have a problem with dry hands that get cracked and inflamed. I have found the best solution is to put a good cream on them at night (I like Nivea) and wear a pair of white cotton gloves to keep them moist all night. I ordered white cotton gloves from the Vermont Country Store catalog some years ago.

Now that I'm in Italy, it's not so easy to order from the VCS, so I take a pair of old cotton socks and cut five slits on the toe area for my fingers. It's almost as good as the gloves, and it's a lot easier to read in bed.

Reply to
B Vaugha

Stella,

I use it at night under gloves at least once a week, but using it during the day is not an option as

1) It doesn't absorb well so it gets on the mouse and keyboard (I am on the computer all day for work) 2) It will get all over my fibers when I am working.

Jenn

Stella Fenley wrote:

Reply to
Jenn

On 2 Oct 2006 14:45:09 -0700, "Eastern Edge" spewed forth :

Yep, both the White Buffalo bellyband (ballband? cake topper?) and Meg @ Schoolhouse Press recommend inserting some twist into the unspun stuff as you work it up. Doing so helps the pencil roving hold together and also provides a little extra strength in the FO.

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Reply to
Wooly

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If the dry skin on your hands catches on the fibers of yarn or roving then put a bit of olive oil and salt on the palm of your hands and rub like you are applying lotion or washing your hands. Wipe with a paper towel or soft cloth. May wash with a gently soap if needed. This acts as an abrasive to the little skin tags that catch on everything. Hope this helps!

Shirley

Reply to
shirlucky

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