Roving Wool
A wool roving is a piece of wool which has been combed, then drawn into a clump, and twisted slightly to hold the fibers together and to prepare them for spinning. Spinners who start with their own raw yarns can create rovings themselves. Rovings are also available commercially from companies which specialize in providing tools and supplies for spinners. Besides being made from wool, rovings can also be made from cotton, silk, and other fibers which are used in the production of textiles.
To prepare a wool roving, the wool is combed to remove impurities, washed, carded to pull the fibers so that they are oriented in the same direction, and then gently twisted. You can also dye your Rovings, and when the yarn is dyed before it is spun, the color is deeper, and penetrates more fully. Rovings are generally around the length of a hand, and sometimes longer. Most often, rovings are very soft and fine and they have a lofty, springy texture.
When wool rovings are prepared, but not twisted, they are known as a slivers. Flattened rovings are known as batting. Wool rovings have other uses besides spinning; batting, for example, can be used to stuff things, and rovings can also be used to pad animal beds, or for various craft projects.
Decandent Fibers, at: www.decadentfibers.com carries a full line of wool roving, plus spinning fiber, wet felting fiber, needle felting kits, needle felting supplies, yarn, knitting projects, books and more. And for American shoppers – their web site states; “Our wool fiber is grown in the USA.” You can also find a huge selection of wool roving on www.Ebay.com
Recent Comments