Hello All -
Thank you to everyone who has so far taken a look at the database. All of the logins have now been issued so, if you are still missing yours, please email Rosalind. Remember that you need to fill out the online agreement before we can issue you with a login.
Below is more detailed information on the practical component of the project.
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Choosing and recording the sheep's fleece
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It is not necessary to spin your own yarn but if you would like to do so, here are the relevant requirements. Use undyed fleece from a source you know (dyeing will happen later). Note the details – sheep breed, location, other details such as fibre type, diameter, staple length, if you know them. Keep a small sample of unspun fleece for further investigation in a sealed plastic bag. The data from the cap linings so far suggests the fibre diameter should be 28 microns but don't worry if you can't measure this.
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Spinning the yarn (if you choose to do so)
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Decide whether to card or comb before spinning or to spin directly from the fleece - or do some of each to compare the finish of the three yarns you produce. You can spin it however you like to do it or spin to the specification of what we know on average from the c16th cap linings, such as the angle of spin (27 degrees from the vertical length of the yarn) and yarn diameter (1.35mm or 1/16th of an inch).
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Recording the yarn data for future reference
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Although “wraps per inch” is one way to check the diameter, it is notoriously unreliable because the tension with which the yarn is tightened can be so variable. An alternative, more useful, measurement is the yarn count, which is calculated by dividing the length by the weight. Take a note of the direction of spin (S/Z), angle of spin, yarn diameter and yarn count before you proceed and keep a length of at least 5 inches/125mm of your yarn in a sealed plastic bag for further investigation.
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Spinning by hand with a drop spindle, other type of hand spinning tool, and/or using a spinning wheel, including a great wheel, are all welcome but please remember to tell us the method you used when you submit your data. If you would like to ply your yarn, try two-ply.
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Alternatively, you can knit with a single yarn or knit with two lengths of unplied yarn from separate balls (or from either end of a single ball). Please note which choice you make.
The next eNewsletter will provide the detailed instructions for knitting the circular swatches (swircles) which we will use for the fulling experiments.
Thanks for your patience if you are keen to get on with the knitting!
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If you have any questions Rosalind can be contacted at rm572@exeter.ac.uk or Jane can be contacted at Jmalcolm-davies@hum.ku.dk
Thanks for your help and enthusiasm,
Jane & the KEME team
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