RAW WOOL

"Fresh" off the sheep.  Many fiber artists prefer to buy wool unwashed, because they have unique ways of preparing it so it will be suited to their projects, and personal style. 

After a sheep is shorn, the wool will often go through any numbers of processes, such as washing, carding, roving, spinning, to create battings, yarn, and other items.  It may go directly into felting or weaving.

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We take great care at Twisted Fleece to ensure only high quality fleeces make it into customers' hands!

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HANDSPINNING

Handspinning takes special focus, dexterity, and creativity.  Much of the yarn we purchase over the counter is machine processed. 

Handspun yarn, however, is unique to each spinner, from their choice of fiber combinations - wool from various types of animals, other fibers, and their own personal techniques and imaginations.  Every skein is an original work of art!

WEAVING

Rugs, blankets, wall hangings, coats, shawls, purses, pot holders, placemats - weavings are everywhere!  There are many techniques, tools, materials, and creative ways to weave.

Looms like the one pictured are common, it's a "rigid heddle" loom.  There are many types and sizes of looms, they range from simple to complex.  And yet, not all weaving is done on looms. 

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FELTING

Felting is a really neat fiber art, with a broad spectrum of creations from fun crafts to gorgeous wearables. 

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The picture shows an infinity scarf made using a technique Nuno felting, a type of "wet felting."  It's a process of laying thin layers of raw wool and/or other fibers onto a chosen backing, spraying them with soapy water, then rubbing, mashing, smacking the fibers together - it can get pretty messy - but wool rubbing against itself creates felt!  There's more to it than that, but that's the essence.