How to willow wool and other fibres

Willowing - hitting wool with sticks.



Okay, so maybe a bit more than that.  
As implied in the name, willowing is best done with whippy rods like one cuts from willow trees.  It's really good for larger batches of over 1 pound (about 500g) of fibre.  It's great for production spinning.

Anyway, check out the video.  If you have any questions, let me know here or in the comments of the video.  

Perfect timing, for me! I've received about 25 - 26lbs of beautiful - but dirty - alpaca seconds, on a 50/50 contract, that I'm getting closer to starting. So far, I've only touched it through the bag openings, so I'm not sure of the staple length, yet, but the intent is felting, so it won't matter as much. But, I don't have rakes, combs, or other methods, besides hand carding, so this might be the answer, because I DO have willow branches, and indoor space! Thank you! (And, LOVELY video, btw!!)

Carla Burke wrote:Perfect timing, for me! I've received about 25 - 26lbs of beautiful - but dirty - alpaca seconds, on a 50/50 contract, that I'm getting closer to starting. So far, I've only touched it through the bag openings, so I'm not sure of the staple length, yet, but the intent is felting, so it won't matter as much. But, I don't have rakes, combs, or other methods, besides hand carding, so this might be the answer, because I DO have willow branches, and indoor space! Thank you! (And, LOVELY video, btw!!)

Great!
It is amazing how well this opens up the fibre.  Depending on the fibre, willowing could probably get it most of the way ready for felting.  Maybe even all the way.  

R, I should wash it first, right? Otherwise, after drying, it would still have to be floofed again...

Carla Burke wrote:R, I should wash it first, right? Otherwise, after drying, it would still have to be floofed again...

From what I've read, it was used before or after washing - sometimes both.  

I think doing it before would be good for some greasy fleeces that don't want to release their dirt.  But personally, I'm a bit lazy to do both, so I would do it after washing as a way of preping the fibre for use.

r ranson wrote:But personally, I'm a bit lazy to do both, so I would do it after washing as a way of preping the fibre for use.

This is pretty much my thought process, too. When I'm looking at 25+lbs of fiber, I'm NOT doing it 2x. Now, if I could only find a place to rent a drum carder, lol.