spinning dog

A friend asked whether it is possible to spin the large amount of dog fur that she's accumulated.
I spun some samples to demonstrate that it is. I tried it 'undiluted' (centre) and carded 50/50 with merino wool.

It actually spun very well on its own. The result is quite fluffy (has a real halo), and it's full of hairs, way too many to try and pull out by hand. The dog/merino blend is a much nicer yarn, smoother and 'fluffed up' a bit more after washing and setting. I wasn't aware of spinning it any differently or getting any more air in there, so I assume it's the wool content that's doing that.

I wonder whether the hairs on the dog are located in particular areas and whether it's possible to get hairless fur from certain parts, eg the belly?

2 comments:

Creative Cat said...

What does it smell like when it's wet though???? I heard someone say it always smells like a wet dog not matter what you do to it!! Interesting to see it done though - bet there are devoted pet owners who might part with money to wear their pet?

peahen said...

That's a good question. I'm really not a doggy person, and I can honestly say that while it was drying in my bathroom last night and this morning, I couldn't smell anything. Maybe it depends on the dog.