Origin
Alpaca wool is a luxurious natural fibre derived from
the fleece of alpacas, native to South America. Known for its softness, warmth,
and durability, it is a favorite among fibre artists for a wide variety of
projects. Alpaca fleece comes in two main types: Huacaya (soft and
fluffy with natural crimp) and Suri (silky and lustrous with a
straighter fibre structure).
Characteristics:
Softness: Comparable to or softer than Merino wool, making it highly desirable for
garments worn next to the skin.
Warmth: Excellent thermal properties, being warmer than sheep's wool due to its
hollow fibre structure.
Lightweight: Strong yet lightweight, ideal for layering without bulk.
Hypoallergenic: Contains little to no lanolin, reducing potential irritation for sensitive
skin.
Variety of Natural Colours: Available in over 20 natural shades, from white to
black, with many grays and browns in between.
Durability: Resistant to pilling and wear, ensuring longevity of crafted items.
Alpaca wool is celebrated in fibre arts for its combination
of softness, warmth, and versatility, making it a staple material for creating
luxurious and durable handmade projects.
Angelina fibre is a shimmering, synthetic fibre known
for its unique ability to bond with heat, creating a lightweight, iridescent
material that is both decorative and functional in various fibre arts projects.
It is made from polyester or nylon and is available in a wide range of colours,
including holographic and metallic varieties.
Characteristics:
Heat-fusible: Bonds to itself when heat is applied (e.g., with an iron), allowing the creation of fabric-like sheets or accents.
Lightweight and soft: Despite its delicate appearance, it is durable and flexible.
Reflective properties: Offers a striking visual effect with high sheen and colour
shift under different lights.
Uses in Fibre Arts:
Embroidery and Textile Design:
Spinning and Felting:
Quilting and Appliqué:
Mixed Media and Art Quilts:
Card Making and Scrapbooking:
Costumes and Fashion:
Angelina fibre's versatility and visual appeal make it a
favorite among fibre artists for adding sparkle and texture to projects.
Bamboo fibre behaves differently from traditional wool when it comes to felting because it lacks the microscopic scales on its surface that enable wool to mat and bind during the felting process. Here's what to consider:
- Does Not Felt Alone: Bamboo fibre cannot felt on its own because it lacks the cuticle scales necessary for the felting process. However, it can be blended with other fibres, such as wool, or alpaca, to add unique qualities to felted projects.
Adds Sheen and Strength: When blended with wool or other felting fibres, bamboo contributes a lustrous sheen and soft texture to the felted material.
- Enhances Detail: Bamboo can be used as embellishment fibres in needle felting or wet felting, adding visual interest, smoothness, and a silky finish to designs.
Surface Embellishments: Bamboo fibres can be laid on the surface of wool in wet felting to create shiny, decorative effects.
- Layering: Used in layers, it enhances the overall look and feel of the finished felt but requires a bonding fibre (like wool) for structural integrity.
Bergschaf wool comes from a hardy breed of sheep
originating in the Alpine regions of Austria and Italy. Known for its
resilience and durability, this fibre is a favorite among fibre artists for
felting and is also suitable for spinning when robust yarns are needed. While
it is coarser than luxury fibres like alpaca or merino, its unique properties
make it highly versatile for crafting and textile projects.
Characteristics:
Staple Length: Typically medium in length, around 2-4 inches.
Fibre Diameter: Measures between 30-36 microns, resulting in a coarser
texture.
Durability: Strong and robust, suitable for heavy-use items.
Felting Efficiency: Felts quickly and reliably due to its high crimp and fibre
texture.
Natural Colours: Available in shades of white, gray, and brown, though it can
be dyed effectively.
Border Leicester wool is a longwool breed fibre known
for its lustrous shine, durability, and versatility in fibre arts. This wool
comes from the Border Leicester sheep, a breed originating from the United
Kingdom, and is prized for its long staple length and smooth texture.
Characteristics:
Staple Length:
Ranges from 4 to 8 inches, making it a longwool ideal for
spinning and crafting.
Fibre Diameter: Typically measures 32-38 microns, resulting in a
medium-coarse texture.
Luster: Naturally shiny, adding a glossy finish to finished products.
Strength: Strong and durable, suitable for projects requiring robust fibres.
Curl/Crimp: Has a wavy crimp, which contributes to its ease of spinning and felting
properties.
Border Leicester wool is a versatile choice for fibre
artists seeking strength, luster, and a distinctive, polished appearance in
their work. Its durability makes it an excellent option for both functional and
decorative creations.
Cheviot wool comes from the Cheviot sheep, a hardy
breed originating from the Cheviot Hills on the border of England and Scotland. This wool is known for its durability, springiness, and resilience, making it a versatile choice for various fibre arts projects.
Characteristics:
Staple Length: Typically 3-5 inches, making it easy to handle for spinning and crafting.
Fibre Diameter: Measures around 27-33 microns, classifying it as a medium-coarse wool.
Elasticity: Naturally springy with excellent resilience, contributing to its durability and ease of use.
Texture: Crisp rather than soft, giving it a robust and structured feel.
Resistance: Known for being resistant to felting, making it ideal for projects where shape retention is key.
Cheviot fibre’s strength, elasticity, and crisp texture make it an excellent choice for fibre artists who value durability and structure in their creations. It is particularly well-suited for projects that demand resilience and long-lasting performance.
Coopworth fibre is derived from the Coopworth sheep,
a dual-purpose breed developed in New Zealand in the mid-20th century by crossing Border Leicester and Romney sheep. Known for its long, lustrous wool,
Coopworth fibre is popular among fibre artists for its versatility and ease of use in various crafts.
Characteristics:
Staple Length: Long, averaging 4-8 inches, making it ideal for spinning and felting.
Fibre Diameter: Medium-coarse, around 30-39 microns, providing durability without being overly harsh.
Luster: Naturally shiny, giving finished products a beautiful glow.
Crimp: Soft to medium crimp, contributing to its strength and slight elasticity.
Durability: Strong and robust, suitable for projects requiring resilience.
Coopworth fibre’s long staple, luster, and versatility make
it an excellent choice for fibre artists seeking durable, visually appealing materials. It is particularly well-suited for projects where strength, structure, and a touch of shine are desired.
Corriedale wool comes from the Corriedale sheep, a
crossbreed developed in the late 19th century by combining Merino and Lincoln
sheep. Known for its softness, strength, and versatility, Corriedale wool is a
favorite among fibre artists for a wide variety of projects.
Characteristics:
Staple Length: Medium to long, averaging 3-5 inches, making it easy to work with.
Fibre Diameter: Medium-fine, typically 25-30 microns, softer than many other medium wools but still strong.
Softness: Softer than coarser wools, suitable for garments worn next to the skin.
Crimp: Well-defined, providing elasticity and loft.
Durability: Strong and resistant to wear, suitable for long-lasting items.
Natural Colours: Usually white, making it ideal for dyeing, though natural shades of gray and brown are also available.
Corriedale wool’s combination of softness, strength, and versatility makes it an excellent choice for fibre artists of all levels. Its balanced properties make it suitable for projects ranging from functional garments to artistic creations.
Downs type wool comes from sheep breeds classified as
"Down breeds," including Suffolk, Dorset, Southdown, and others. This wool is known for its springy elasticity, resilience, and medium-to-short staple length. While not as soft as fine wools like Merino, Downs wool is valued for its unique characteristics that lend themselves to specific fibre
arts applications.
Characteristics:
Staple Length: Short to medium, typically 2-3.5 inches.
Fibre Diameter: Medium, around 26-35 microns, resulting in a coarser texture.
Elasticity: Highly springy and elastic, making it resistant to stretching and sagging.
Durability: Strong and resilient, with fibres that wear well over time.
Felting Resistance: Naturally resistant to felting, making it ideal for machine-washable garments.
Texture: Matte and crimpy, providing loft and body to projects
Downs type wool’s elasticity, resilience, and durability make it ideal for practical fibre arts projects, especially those requiring warmth, structure, and long-lasting wear. It is a versatile choice for functional yet stylish creations.
Finnsheep wool comes from the Finnsheep (or Finnish
Landrace), a breed native to Finland known for its fine, soft wool and natural luster. This fibre is prized for its versatility and ease of use, making it a popular choice among fibre artists for both functional and decorative projects.
Characteristics:
Staple Length: Medium, ranging from 3 to 6 inches, making it easy to spin and handle.
Fibre Diameter: Fine to medium, typically 24-31 microns, offering a soft texture suitable for garments worn next to the skin.
Crimp: Moderate and uniform, providing elasticity and loft.
Luster: Subtle shine, adding a natural glow to finished items.
Softness: Comfortable against the skin, similar to Merino but with added durability.
Natural Colours: Available in a variety of shades, including white, black, gray, and brown.
Finnsheep fibre’s softness, luster, and versatility make it a staple in the fibre arts community. Its ability to be used across spinning, felting, dyeing, and weaving ensures it is a go-to choice for both functional and decorative projects.
Jacob wool is derived from the Jacob sheep, a rare
and ancient breed known for its distinctive spotted fleece. This wool is highly
valued for its natural, multicoloured fleece and versatility in fibre arts.
Jacob wool is popular among fibre artists for its unique blend of softness and
durability.
Characteristics:
Staple Length: Medium, typically 3 to 7 inches, making it easy to handle for various techniques.
Fibre Diameter: Medium-coarse, ranging from 27-35 microns, providing durability without being overly rough.
Natural Colours: Spotted fleece offers a variety of shades, including white, black, gray, and brown, often within a single fleece.
Texture: Crisp and springy, offering good elasticity and structure.
Durability: Strong and resistant to wear, suitable for functional items.
Jacob wool’s combination of natural beauty, durability, and versatility makes it a treasured fibre for both beginners and experienced fibre artists. Its striking natural colours and springy texture provide endless creative opportunities in spinning, weaving, knitting, and felting.
Lyocell is a sustainable, semi-synthetic fibre made from cellulose, primarily sourced from wood pulp, of eucalyptus trees. It is manufactured using an eco-friendly process with a closed-loop system, where the chemicals used in production are largely recycled. Known for its softness, durability, and versatility, Lyocell is increasingly popular in fibre arts and textile production.
Characteristics:
- Softness: Smooth and silky to the touch, making it comfortable against the skin.
- Strength: Stronger than many other natural fibres, both wet and dry.
- Moisture-Wicking: Absorbs moisture efficiently, making it breathable and suitable for warm climates.
- Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and produced with minimal environmental impact.
- Luster: Slight sheen that enhances the visual appeal of finished products.
- Drape: Excellent drape, lending itself to flowy and elegant textiles.
- Does Not Felt Alone: Lyocell fibre cannot felt on its own because it lacks the cuticle scales necessary for the felting process. However, it can be blended with other fibres, such as wool, or alpaca, to add unique qualities to felted projects.
Lyocell’s combination of softness, strength, and eco-friendly production makes it a favorite in the fibre arts world. Its versatility allows it to be used across various crafts, from spinning to weaving, and its sustainable credentials appeal to environmentally conscious makers.
Merino wool comes from the Merino sheep, renowned for
producing some of the finest and softest wool in the world. This wool is prized
for its exceptional softness, elasticity, and versatility, making it a staple
in the fibre arts community. It is widely used in crafting garments, textiles,
and art projects due to its luxurious feel and excellent performance
properties.
Characteristics:
Staple Length: Short to medium, typically 2-4 inches.
Fibre Diameter: Extremely fine, ranging from 11.5 to 24 microns, making it exceptionally soft against the skin.
Softness: One of the softest wools, suitable for sensitive skin and next-to-skin wear.
Elasticity: Naturally elastic, allowing for comfortable, shape-retaining creations.
Crimp: Fine, regular crimp that adds loft and elasticity.
Breathability and Moisture-Wicking: Regulates temperature and wicks moisture, keeping the wearer comfortable in various climates.
Merino wool’s unparalleled softness, versatility, and
luxurious feel make it a favourite material for fibre artists. Its ability to
be used in spinning, knitting, weaving, and felting ensures it is a staple in
both functional and decorative projects.
Milk fibre is a sustainable and innovative fibre made from casein, a protein derived from milk. Developed through advanced technology, milk fiber is known for its silky texture, softness, and eco-friendly properties. It has become increasingly popular in fibre arts for creating luxurious and sustainable textiles.
Characteristics:
- Softness: Comparable to silk or cashmere, making it gentle on the skin and ideal for delicate projects.
- Moisture-Wicking: Naturally absorbs and releases moisture, contributing to a comfortable feel.
- Hypoallergenic: Suitable for sensitive skin due to its gentle, natural composition.
- Biodegradable: Eco-friendly and decomposes naturally over time.
- Strength and Elasticity: Durable with slight stretch, adding resilience to finished products.
- Shiny and Smooth: Offers a natural sheen that enhances the appearance of yarns and textiles.
- Does Not Felt Alone: Milk fibre cannot felt on its own because it lacks the cuticle scales necessary for the felting process. However, it can be blended with other fibres, such as wool, or alpaca, to add unique qualities to felted projects.
Milk fibre’s softness, eco-friendly nature, and versatility make it a unique addition to the fibre arts world. It is particularly valued for projects requiring delicate, breathable, and sustainable materials, offering a luxurious alternative to traditional fibres.
Mohair is a luxurious fibre obtained from the fleece of Angora goats. Known for its silky texture, sheen, and durability, mohair is one of the most sought-after natural fibres in the fibre arts world. Its unique combination of softness and strength makes it a versatile material for creating high-quality textiles and art.
Characteristics:
- Staple Length: Long, typically 4-6 inches, making it easy to spin and handle.
- Fibre Diameter: Varies by age of the goat:
- Sheen: Naturally lustrous, giving finished products a radiant glow.
- Elasticity: Slightly elastic, providing excellent drape and resilience.
- Durability: Stronger than many wools, resistant to wear and pilling.
- Lightweight and Warm: Warm yet light, ideal for layering.
Mohair’s combination of strength, sheen, and softness makes it a staple in the fibre arts, suitable for both everyday and high-end projects. Whether used alone or blended, it brings elegance and durability to any creation.
Mulberry silk is a luxurious natural fibre produced by the domesticated silkworm (Bombyx mori), which feeds exclusively on mulberry leaves. Known for its incredible softness, strength, and luminous sheen, it is considered the highest quality silk available and is highly prized in fibre arts for its elegance and versatility.
Characteristics:
- Softness: Exceptionally smooth and soft, making it a premium material for luxury items.
- Luster: Naturally lustrous, adding a radiant shine to textiles and yarns.
- Strength: One of the strongest natural fibres, providing durability and resistance to wear.
- Lightweight and Warm: Retains heat while remaining lightweight and breathable, ideal for layering.
- Dyeing: Takes dye beautifully, producing vibrant, rich, and even colours.
- Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and renewable, sourced from cultivated silkworms.
- Does Not Felt Alone: Mulberry Silk fibre cannot felt on its own because it lacks the cuticle scales necessary for the felting process. However, it can be blended with other fibres, such as wool, or alpaca, to add unique qualities to felted projects.
Mulberry silk’s combination of softness, strength, and luster makes it a favorite among fibre artists for creating luxurious and timeless pieces. Its versatility ensures it can be used in a range of projects, from delicate lace to richly textured fabrics.
Norwegian wool is derived from various breeds of sheep native to Norway, including the Spælsau (Old Norwegian Short Tail) and other modern breeds. Known for its durability, resilience, and distinct texture, Norwegian wool has a long history of use in traditional and modern fibre arts. Its natural versatility makes it an excellent choice for crafting long-lasting and unique pieces.
Characteristics:
- Staple Length: Medium to long, typically 3-6 inches, depending on the breed.
- Fibre Diameter: Medium-coarse, averaging 30-36 microns, resulting in a sturdy and robust feel.
- Texture: Crisp with a slight sheen, offering strength and structure.
- Durability: Very strong and wear-resistant, making it ideal for hard-wearing items.
- Natural Colours: Found in shades of white, gray, black, and brown, with vibrant dyeing capabilities.
- Weather-Resistant: Naturally water-resistant and warm, suited for outdoor wear.
Norwegian wool’s combination of durability, texture, and versatility makes it a popular choice for functional and decorative fiber arts projects. Its long history in traditional knitting and weaving adds cultural significance to its modern use, bridging practicality with artistry.
Nylon fiber is a synthetic material first developed in the 1930s. It is derived from petroleum-based polymers and is known for its exceptional strength, elasticity, and durability. In fibre arts, nylon is valued both as a standalone fibre and as a blending material to enhance the performance of natural fibers.
Characteristics:
- Strength: Highly durable and resistant to abrasion, making it ideal for high-wear items.
- Elasticity: Excellent stretch and recovery properties, contributing to flexibility and resilience.
- Moisture-Wicking: Absorbs little water, drying quickly and maintaining a lightweight feel.
- Softness: Smooth and soft to the touch, especially in finer grades.
- Dyeing: Takes dye well, allowing for vibrant and varied colors.
- Versatility: Can be produced in various textures, from silky to coarse, depending on its intended use.
Nylon’s combination of strength, elasticity, and dyeing versatility makes it a useful fibre in the fibre arts world, particularly when durability and resilience are needed. It is often used in blends to complement natural fibres, ensuring the final product is both functional and aesthetically appealing.
Perendale wool comes from the Perendale sheep, a breed developed in New Zealand by crossing Romney and Cheviot sheep. This wool is celebrated for its versatility, strength, and springy texture, making it a favorite among fiber artists for crafting durable and long-lasting items.
Characteristics:
- Staple Length: Medium to long, typically 3.5-6 inches, easy to handle and process.
- Fibre Diameter: Medium, around 28-32 microns, offering a balance of softness and durability.
- Elasticity: Naturally springy, with a good crimp, making it resilient and shape-retaining.
- Durability: Strong and hard-wearing, suitable for items subjected to frequent use.
- Luster: Moderate shine, adding a subtle visual appeal to finished product.
Perendale wool’s combination of strength, elasticity, and ease of use makes it a versatile fibre for a wide range of applications in fibre arts. It is particularly valued for projects where durability and structure are essential, making it a practical yet appealing choice for functional and decorative creations.
Pineapple fibre (also known as Piña fiber) is a natural fibre extracted from the leaves of the pineapple plant. It has been traditionally used in the Philippines for centuries to create lightweight, luxurious textiles. Piña fiber is celebrated for its eco-friendly nature, durability, and unique texture, making it increasingly popular in sustainable and artistic fibre arts.
Characteristics:
- Softness and Texture: Fine, soft, and slightly stiff, with a delicate, lightweight feel.
- Strength: Durable despite its delicate appearance, suitable for intricate projects.
- Luster: Natural sheen that gives textiles a luxurious and elegant look.
- Breathability: Lightweight and airy, ideal for warm climates.
- Eco-Friendly: Made from agricultural byproducts (pineapple leaves), making it sustainable and biodegradable.
- Does Not Felt Alone: Milk fibre cannot felt on its own because it lacks the cuticle scales necessary for the felting process. However, it can be blended with other fibres, such as wool, or alpaca, to add unique qualities to felted projects.
Pineapple fibre is prized for its sustainable production and aesthetic qualities. It is ideal for creating elegant, lightweight textiles and is increasingly being explored in contemporary and artistic fibre arts for its unique properties and environmental benefits.
Ramie fibre is a natural plant-based fibre extracted from the stalks of the Boehmeria nivea plant, a flowering plant in the nettle family. One of the oldest textile fibres in use, ramie is valued for its strength, luster, and resistance to mildew. It is often compared to linen in texture and appearance but is more lustrous and less elastic.
Characteristics:
- Strength: Extremely strong, especially when wet, making it one of the most durable natural fibres.
- Luster: Shiny and silky, giving finished textiles a luxurious appearance.
- Texture: Crisp and similar to linen, though slightly stiffer and less elastic.
- Moisture Absorption: Highly absorbent, making it breathable and ideal for warm climates.
- Resistance: Naturally resistant to bacteria, mildew, and insects, making it durable in various conditions.
- Biodegradable: An eco-friendly and sustainable fiber.
- Does Not Felt Alone: Ramie fibre cannot felt on its own because it lacks the cuticle scales necessary for the felting process. However, it can be blended with other fibres, such as wool, or alpaca, to add unique qualities to felted projects.
Ramie fibre is a versatile, sustainable option in fibre arts, prized for its strength, sheen, and resistance to environmental factors. It is especially valued in weaving, garment creation, and home textiles, offering a blend of beauty and durability.
Shetland wool comes from the Shetland sheep, a small, hardy breed native to the Shetland Islands of Scotland. This wool is renowned for its versatility, warmth, and wide range of natural colors. Shetland wool is a staple in traditional and contemporary fibre arts, valued for its unique balance of softness and strength.
Characteristics:
- Staple Length: Short to medium, typically 2-5 inches, depending on the fleece type.
- Fibre Diameter: Fine to medium, averaging 20-30 microns, offering a range from soft to slightly rustic textures.
- Softness: Generally softer than many medium wools, suitable for garments worn close to the skin.
- Natural Colours: Available in a stunning variety of natural shades, including white, black, gray, brown, and fawn, with 11 recognised colour categories.
- Elasticity: Springy with good crimp, making it resilient and warm.
- Lightweight: Warm yet lightweight, ideal for layering.
Shetland wool’s versatility, warmth, and range of natural colors make it a favorite among fibre artists. It is particularly valued for its role in traditional knitting techniques like lace and Fair Isle, as well as its suitability for both functional and decorative projects.
Silk fabric is made from silk fibre, a natural protein material spun by silkworms. Renowned for its luxurious texture, sheen, and durability, silk fabric comes in a variety of weaves and finishes, such as satin, gauze, chiffon, organza, and raw silk, each offering unique characteristics. It is widely used in fibre arts for its elegance and versatility, serving as both a functional and decorative material.
Characteristics:
- Softness and Smoothness: Known for its soft, luxurious feel against the skin.
- Luster: Natural sheen due to the triangular structure of silk fibres, which refract light beautifully.
- Drape: Excellent drape, lending itself to flowing, elegant designs.
- Strength: One of the strongest natural fabrics, durable yet lightweight.
- Moisture-Wicking: Breathable and comfortable, making it ideal for all climates.
- Dyeing: Absorbs dye exceptionally well, yielding vibrant and rich colours.
- Versatility: Available in various textures and weights, from fine, sheer chiffon to heavier dupioni or brocade.
Silk fabric’s beauty, versatility, and tactile appeal make it a favourite among fibre artists. Whether used for wearable art, decorative projects, or fine textiles, its timeless elegance enhances any creation. Lighter weight silk fabrics are perfect for nuno felting.
Stellina fiber is a synthetic fibre often made from metallic or polymer-based materials, designed to add a touch of sparkle and shimmer to yarns and textiles. It is most commonly found in blended form with natural fibres like wool, alpaca, or silk, creating yarns with a subtle or bold metallic effect, depending on the proportion used. Stellina is soft and lightweight, ensuring comfort when incorporated into wearable items.
Characteristics:
- Sparkle and Shine: Adds a metallic or glittering effect to yarns and fabrics.
- Softness: Non-abrasive and smooth, making it suitable for use in garments and accessories.
- Durability: Maintains its sparkle and structure over time, even with regular use.
- Lightweight: Does not add significant bulk to blended fibres.
Stellina fibre is primarily valued for its ability to elevate the visual appeal of fibre art projects, bringing a touch of elegance and sparkle to garments, accessories, and decorative textiles. Its soft, lightweight nature ensures that it enhances without overpowering the base fibres, making it a versatile choice for any creative endeavor.
Tussah silk, also known as wild silk, is a natural fibre produced by wild silkworms, primarily from the species Antheraea mylitta. Unlike domesticated silkworms, wild silkworms feed on a variety of leaves, such as oak and juniper, which influences the texture and color of the silk. Tussah silk is celebrated for its natural, earthy tones and slightly coarser texture compared to Mulberry silk, making it a favorite for rustic and artistic fibre arts projects.
Characteristics:
- Texture: Slightly coarser and less uniform than Mulberry silk, with a natural slubbiness that adds character.
- Colour: Typically golden or honey-colored, reflecting the diet of the wild silkworms. It can be dyed but often retains its natural earthy tones. Sometimes bleached to whiten.
- Durability: Strong and resistant to stretching, suitable for long-lasting projects.
- Eco-Friendly: Wild silk production is generally more sustainable and involves less intervention, often considered cruelty-free if harvested after the moth emerges.
- Sheen: Subtle and less lustrous than Mulberry silk, giving a natural, understated elegance.
- Does Not Felt Alone: Tussah Silk fibre cannot felt on its own because it lacks the cuticle scales necessary for the felting process. However, it can be blended with other fibres, such as wool, or alpaca, to add unique qualities to felted projects.
Tussah silk’s rustic charm, strength, and eco-friendly attributes make it a versatile fibre in the fibre arts world. Its slightly rougher texture and natural golden tones offer a unique alternative to the smooth and shiny Mulberry silk, lending itself beautifully to artistic and sustainable creations.
An unknown wool blend refers to wool that is mixed with other fibres, where the specific composition is not explicitly identified. These blends can combine different types of wool (e.g., Merino, Romney) or mix wool with synthetic fibers (e.g., nylon, acrylic) or natural fibers (e.g., silk, alpaca). The properties of the blend will depend on the types and proportions of the fibres used, but generally, wool blends are designed to balance softness, durability, elasticity, and other desirable characteristics, or the case of Core Wool have been created for a specific purpose but the exact composition is not revealed.
Characteristics:
- Softness: May range from fine and soft (if including fibers like Merino) to coarser textures.
- Strength and Durability: Enhanced if blended with stronger fibers like nylon or silk.
- Elasticity: Typically retains wool’s natural elasticity, with additional stretch or stiffness depending on the blend.
- Moisture-Wicking: Retains wool’s ability to wick moisture and regulate temperature, though this may vary if synthetic fibers are included.
- Versatility: Suitable for a range of applications due to the diverse properties of blends.
Unknown wool blends are excellent for fibre artists looking to experiment with texture, performance, and aesthetics. Their versatility makes them a practical and exciting choice for a wide variety of projects. Sampling is always recommended prior to creating a larger project.
Viscose fibre, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fibre made from regenerated cellulose, typically sourced from wood pulp, bamboo, or cotton linters. Known for its silk-like texture and sheen, viscose is a versatile and cost-effective alternative to natural fibres like silk and cotton. It is widely used in fibre arts due to its softness, drape, and ability to blend well with other fibres.
Characteristics:
- Softness: Smooth and soft to the touch, making it comfortable against the skin.
- Drape: Excellent drape, lending itself to flowy and elegant textiles.
- Sheen: Subtle luster, giving finished products a refined and luxurious appearance.
- Moisture Absorption: Highly absorbent and breathable, suitable for warm climates.
- Dyeing: Takes dyes beautifully, resulting in vibrant, even colours.
- Biodegradability: Made from natural cellulose, it is biodegradable but requires chemical processing.
- Does Not Felt Alone: Viscose fibre cannot felt on its own because it lacks the cuticle scales necessary for the felting process. However, it can be blended with other fibres, such as wool, or alpaca, to add unique qualities to felted projects.
Viscose fibre’s combination of softness, luster, and drape makes it a favourite for creating elegant and functional textiles. Its versatility and ability to blend seamlessly with other fibres ensure its continued popularity in both traditional and contemporary fibre arts.
Wensleydale wool comes from the Wensleydale sheep, a longwool breed originally from England. Known for its exceptional luster and long, curly locks, Wensleydale wool is a premium fiber valued for its strength, sheen, and unique texture. It is often used in projects that highlight its natural beauty and durability.
Characteristics:
- Staple Length: Very long, averaging 8-12 inches, making it one of the longest wool fibres.
- Fiber Diameter: Medium-coarse, typically 30-36 microns, with a silky texture.
- Luster: Exceptionally shiny and glossy, one of the most lustrous wools available.
- Softness: While not as soft as fine wools like Merino, it has a silky and smooth feel.
- Strength: Very strong and durable, making it suitable for long-lasting items.
- Curl/Lock Structure: Distinctive, well-defined curls that add texture and visual appeal.
Wensleydale wool’s combination of luster, strength, and long staple length makes it a prized fibre in the fibre arts world. It is ideal for projects where durability and visual impact are key, offering endless possibilities for creative expression.
Locks refer to small, compacted clusters or bundles of wool or fibre, typically as they naturally grow on an animal's fleece. These clusters form due to the natural crimp or structure of the fibre and are a key feature in processing animal-based fibres, particularly wool.
Characteristics of Wool Locks:
Natural Crimp: Locks often maintain the natural wave or curl (crimp) of the fleece, which adds texture and volume to fiber art projects.
Fiber Length: Locks vary in length depending on the breed, ranging from short, dense locks (e.g., Shetland or Finnsheep) to long, lustrous locks (e.g., Wensleydale or Teeswater).
Texture: Locks can be fine and soft (e.g., Merino), coarse and strong (e.g., Romney), or silky and lustrous (e.g., Bluefaced Leicester).
Natural Grease (Lanolin): Locks may still contain lanolin and vegetable matter if they haven’t been washed and processed.
In fibre arts, locks serve as a versatile and valuable material, contributing unique texture, structure, and character to various crafting techniques. Their natural crimp, curl, and shape make them especially sought after for creating distinctive artistic effects.