Opalyn Rose

Kate Downham wrote:The linen skirt that I made with an elastic waist got holes quite quickly where the elastic was, but a linen wrap skirt I have is still looking great after two years. The wrap skirt is made from a heavier weight linen, but I suspect that the elastic on the other skirt may have irritated the linen fibres somehow, which could also explain it.

Does mixing up different fibres this way cause the natural one to wear out more quickly?

Blending cotton or linen with plastic (polyester, for example) fibers definitely causes more wear on the individual fibers and therefore the fabric when compared to a fabric of a single natural ingredient.

I did a study on fiber content when I was making rugs.  The "stronger" polyester fibers tend to cut the cotton fibers and decrease longevity.  I'm guessing/extrapolating that pilling and other signs of wear could also be caused by the blending of fiber contents.  

I know that the benefits (and longevity) of linen plummet quickly when blended with polyester.

And. I've started stitching down my elastic waistband to reduce the free-floating elastic in the hopes that it reduces the wear you mentioned.

This is a great description.

The mechanics of what you are describing with blended materials is that one is stronger than the other and thus actually end up cutting the (usually cotton) fibers. This is particularly important when making durable items like rag rugs. Having blended fabrics actually makes the rug wear out quicker than if it is 100% cotton.

For reference I helped to raise a small flock of sheep and a small herd of milking goats for over a decade.
The Karaculs were before my time.

In the animal systems I helped manage, we always had two intact males (per species) and rarely had issues under discussion. I made a point to introduce people to the goats and their headbutting strategies and instructed them scratch them under their chin when they would come up to the gates.
I would expect to see more issues with more “primitive” breeds like the Icelandic.

I do hope some of these strategies work for you.  Certain behaviors in our animals (including humans) are not tolerated on the farm and ramming is one.  One member experienced a shattered kneecap from a Karacul ram.

If you really like his wool, then adult castration might be something to explore.  I've used this brand for a dozen years to castrate our yearlings and 2-year-olds before butcher as they grow healthier and stronger when intact.

Alexandra Malecki wrote:When something says “up to 10 points duplication allowed from sand level” does that mean I could do a 1 point item 10 times?

That is my understanding

Rebekah Harmon wrote:Hello, Staff members!

I have another textile badge question. When considering the Wood Level textile bbs, … seed list…

I'm not clear if a foundation garment is one of the options for the required "from seed" item, or if it is also required in addition to one of the other 8 options? Are foundation garments required for this badge, or just one option? Thanks for looking at this! I appreciate it, since I'm working towards this badge.

Any one of the 9 items in the list is the requirement. Foundation is one of the options with several sun-options. It was listed like this as the entire seed list (but only one foundation garment set) is required for iron level.  

Alexandra Malecki wrote:I'm so thrilled to join the PEP1 club! I've done some cool things over the past year and I'm grateful for the opportunity to do the SKIP program!!!

Congratulations 🎉🎈🎊

Cheryl Loomans wrote:I have achieved 16 sand badges and have a BBV count over 10 (54)

Congratulations!

Hi Alex,  
I’m glad you are at WL testing the Bb systems. I’m wondering if you and your family could be in the solarium instead of the house. That way you can complete the BB as required and be more comfortable too. I know that I easily get too hot when I’ve been at WL in the FPH in the winter.

Thanks for weighing in. My thoughts ran along similar lines. Definitely plan on keeping the non-dimmer. Also,I’ll check in on the type of bulbs used as that may influence the project.

It is not a new installation