hand spinning – Alba Ranch

Alba Ranch Changes

Posted on May 21, 2021August 9, 2021 by Melisa

I have had a break from most yarn spinning due to goat kid season. Although I have still got a little spinning in between all the Ranch goings on.

This time of year brings bottle babies, training new goats to the milk stand, getting used to milking numerous goats again and than the fun times of weaning the goat kids.

We have also been doing some tree felling, getting the trails back into shape, and some much needed clean up around the property.

Of course it has to look worse before it can look better. But here are a few shots during this summer to catch you up with changes here at Alba Ranch.

My Mohair Art Yarn Project

Posted on March 10, 2021August 9, 2021 by Melisa

My Mohair Project. Sheep vs Goat.

I wanted to know: Can I lockspin mohair yarn like I do sheep longwool?

2 months, 10+ fleeces washed, processed and in various stages of spinning….I am nearing an answer.

Each label is a separate fleece except top right. It is a combination of 2 fleeces from 2 different goats. And bottom 2 right are the same goat but 2 separate fleeces from said goat.

10 separate angora goats covering 11 different fleeces.

Some bulky art yarn skeins have already sold…note the skinnier amount in the label. Large amounts in one label is mutiple skeins of a larger yardage. I have found a style of handspinning Bulky art yarn that is pure mohair and I LOVE it.

I just wanted a bit of a visual record.

Whew have I been busy!!

My Phoebe Mohair Art Yarn Hat

Posted on February 28, 2021August 9, 2021 by Melisa

I just finished my new hat. All lockspun bulky textured yarn. Pure yummy textile art.

Phoebe donated her mohair from her last hair clip.

I used Tunisian crochet and some pure mohair textured yarn. The handspun mohair art yarn was spun by me. This hat is a wide headband with fringe.

It is so warm. I think if it was all the way closed on the top, I might melt. It is a good thing it is open at the top because mohair is very fuzzy and warm.