Thursday, March 3, 2016

Wash Day

 I go and say how much I hate March and then we have a day like we had on Tuesday. It was perfect for washing fleece. Perfect.



 I decided to tackle Finley one small handful at a time.



He came home from last year's MDSW and I forgot all about him.



 I love the first wash. All the yuck falls off and you can see what you have.



 Nothing fancy in the washing department. Dawn does it.



 I warm up the water to be just a bit too hot for my bare hands and give it three quick soaks changing the water and soap out each time .



 After three rinses, Finley turned out to be a nice bright white.



A big handful fits snugly in the spinner so it went for a ride.



It dried in a flash in the bright sun and stiff breeze. Temps were in the 60's. Crazy, I know. Tomorrow we may have snow.



 From start to finish the whole washing took less than 15 minutes. I used to drag out tons of equipment and take hours. Never again. Simple is best.



 Then there is the sink cleanup. Of course, it gets a good scrubbing and disinfecting before people dishes go back in.


 Since it dried so quickly I could spend some time outside teasing it out. That's always my favorite part. With the breeze to my back I didn't have to worry about breathing in any loose fiber and hay bits.



 I was very surprised at how much teased fiber I got from that one handful and I was also shocked at how clean and soft this fleece turned out to be. He's going to be something special someday.
Any suggestions for Shetland?




7 comments:

  1. The fleece looks so pretty all teased out. It's amazing how WHITE it all washed up to be.

    Glad you made the most of your spring day!

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  2. What a great Spring tradition! I love to spin Shetland...I use it for shawl knitting; it's what it is famous for, too.

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  3. It is amazing how white it turned out. It was really interesting to see the whole process like that.

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  4. I just did the same thing with an alpaca fleece and that stiff breeze sent all my beautifull fluff sailing into the patio and yard. I was not a happy camper as I was trying to collect it all!

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  5. Interesting process. It looks like you ended up with a real treasure!

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  6. wow. Im glad you scrub that sink well and I like your brush. I may have to get one for scrub a dubbing. Its snowing here. Im done with it. I refuse to let March get me! I'm up to something but I don't know whaT!

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  7. It's beautiful! I always love your process photo essays. So fluffy and white, like snow or clouds there. Excellent way to spend a lovely spring day. (hey I rhymed!)

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