I took the plunge and bought a larger manual drum carder from Clemes & Clemes at the Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat this weekend.
Why? I have wanted an electric drive drum carder since the early 90s. I debated whether it was a cost I really wanted to take on, but when I get fixated on something, I just go for it. The Clemes & Clemes Elite Convertible can be converted to electric. I probably would have bought the whole kit if he had had the electric attachment to go with it.
I already own a Louet Jr drum carder, and it works perfectly, but the size of the batts coming off the new drum carder is amazing.
We all have our tools for spinning—such as a spindle or wheel, maybe hand cards or wool combs. It’s simply part of who we are and what we do. I hope that with this larger drum carder, I can process the fleeces I purchase more easily and quickly.
Again, when I started spinning in the early 90s, I wanted so many things that, as a young parent, I just couldn’t afford. One of the tools was a Patrick Green Wool Picker. I came across one in a book by Paula Simmons that made my heart race. Sadly, that never happened. It was a matter of personal choice for me.
In 2012, I found this wonderfully made, easy-to-store tool that you won’t get your finger caught in as easily as a Patrick Green picker-picker. It opens those locks quickly and captures the bits at the bottom that can be easily disposed of. I would recommend this to anyone interested in buying one. The seller is Kaydessa on Etsy. Very reasonably priced for a tool you’ll use forever!
I washed this Romney lamb fleece, Dixie’s Girl, last week. It was ready for some picking and carding.
Here is the first batch off the drum carder after only two passes. By the third pass, the licker didn’t even pick up any of the thrums. Happy dance.
I could easily send the wool out to a mill for processing. The downside is that the processing fee for one fleece might be around $100, plus shipping and the time frame. Well, I just don’t want to wait five months to get my fleece back.
I have no grand plans to make batts and sell them, just like I don’t spin and sell my yarn. It’s simply something I do, enjoy, and share with my fiber friends.
What processes do you do? Do you prefer to process wool from start to finish, or do you like to buy rovings, whether natural or indie-dyed, for your spinning enjoyment?
No matter your style, I hope you find the right tools for your trade.
Card on!
Share your thoughts…