Wonders of Wool (2 hours)

Combine the Spinning Wool and the Felt Making programs for a 2-hour classroom experience.

In the first section of this two-part program, students will learn how to create handspun woolen yarn. First, students will learn how wool is sheared from the sheep, where the best wool is found, and how raw wool is processed. Students will examine wool fibers under a microscope and learn of the other fibers used for making cloth products, silk, flax and cotton. Next a demonstration of teasing, carding and spinning by the instructor will acquaint students with the process of creating spun wool.  Students will then divide into groups of four, to process raw wool. Raw wool will first be teased, the fibers manually pulled apart to separate, untangle and loosen trapped dirt. Then the students will brush the ‘picked’ wool with cards, (flat wire brushes used to align the wool fibers prior to spinning and felting), peel the brushed wool from the card, and roll it into a loose woolen roll called a ‘rolag’ After each student has a completed rolag, they will partner up with another student to spin the rolag into yarn, using a drop spindle, one student spinning the spindle like a top, while the other student pulls the rolag gently apart and allows the fibers to twist together until they have completed a length of wool yarn. The partners will then change jobs and spin the other rolag, and upon completion each student will have their very own handmade wool yarn.

In the second section, the students will learn the age-old process of pressing wool into felt. The students will take raw wool and tease it, a process where the fibers are manually pulled apart to separate and untangle them while loosening trapped dirt. Then the students will brush the ‘teased’ wool with cards, (flat wire brushes used to align the wool fibers prior to felting), peel the brushed wool from the card and cross layer the wool in four plies. Next the students will add a hot soapy water solution, and roll the wool in a circular pattern between their hands, (as if making a meatball), while applying pressure to bind the wool fiber scales together. By continuing to add hot soapy water and repeating the rolling process the students will obtain a woolen felt ball.  If time allows, more than one felt ball can be made. The students will then be able to bring these pressed wool products home. A room with tables for the students to work at and access to water and sinks is necessary for this part of the program.