Ongoing llama processing

The llama processing is now turning into a fairly smooth routine.

First part of the process is to wash and dry batches of wool.  We are handling the brown wool at present - it comes in several shades, but we are blending it as we go to produce a fairly consistant color.  Next we remove the guard hairs and pick through the locks to make the carding process easier.

Removing guard hairs

This is typically done on the coffee table while watching something on TV - seems to work OK.

After picking (opening) 2 oz we card two 1 oz batts.  Initially we then removed the batts and to spin I would rip lengths off and stretch it out before beginning.  Lately I have been using a diz and removing directly from the carder as roving.  I had tried this before without too much success, but it now seems to be going smoothly.  I'll take photo's and post in a future blog.

Llama wool

In the photo above there is washed wool drying on the rack, a spun skein on top of a 1 oz batt.