In this episode we’ll unpack the nuance of one of the greatest barriers to sustainability of small batch yarn, wool scouring. We’ll share the 4 essential requirements for scouring, discuss fermented suint, reveal 3 types of scouring baths we use at our mill and also pro-tips on how to tell whether you’ve washed your wool effectively.
Highlights
Lydia tells the story of her first time washing a fleece [2:36]Four essential requirements for scouring wool [11:50]Choosing a vessel [12:52]Hot Water [15:08]Soap & pH [19:30]Extraction [24:55]A few cautions for the home scouring setup [28:10]Fermented Suint Method or Cold Wash [32:34]Three type of scouring baths we use at the Abundant Earth Fiber Mill [37:15]
Picking as part of the scouring process [40:12]
Three tips to tell if you got all the grease out of your fleece [45:18]
Links
Unicorn Power ScourpH Meter and Test StripsDIY Natural Laundry SoapLaundry Alternative Spin DryerFleece & Fiber Sourcebook — More than 200 Fibers from Animal to Spun YarnField Guide to Fleece — Compact reference of 100 sheep breeds and how to use their fibersLavender Essential Oil — Whidbey Island grown and processedPurchase Raw Fiber from AEF!WenslydaleCoopworthRomneyTargheeWool Scouring Videos — Coming Soon!