As a result of a radio interview I gave recently to try and make KAS known, I didn't get many enquiries from future knitters. However, I did get 2 donations of wool. One was a big bag of all different kinds of wool plus an afghan made of very fine wool, which I have unpicked to use with other fine wools. The second gift is the cause of my cry for help. A retired weaver from the Aubusson Tapestry Ateliers has given me about12 5lb spools of pure wool. BUT...it's tapestry wool and rather stiff and scratchy. I've tried to mix it with a fine mohair or baby wool, but it still remains quite stiff. Does anyone have a suggestion as to what I can make with it or how I could soften it up a little?
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I did a square for the Japan challenge which everybody seemed to like but was so thick I would not use it in a blanket - I usually use Arans which are already thick. It did, however, give me an idea which might suit your tapestry wool. There are photos in the various KAS pages where one clearly sees how destitute the children are and I have often thought that they probably sleep on the ground or cement and that, at least for babies and the smaller ones, it might be nice to have a thickish mat underneath. It might be an idea to knit/crochet strips and weave them together to a size bigger than a KAS cuddle for example. It would still be roll-able but would provide that little extra warmth especially in winter. I will attempt to add the photo of my square here so you can better visualise.
I had thought of weaving small mats and adding a lining, but didn't want to give Ronda another 'line' to save up for distribution. However, I'll experiment in the new year when I am more skilled at the process!
Valerie, I'm learning to weave using a 4-shaft Ashford loom and I could use the spools - I find that most of the spools I get from charity shops are usually 'roughish' and not suitable to squares or garments.
My teacher has shown me that it is possible to weave Ponchos, and with an added lining this would make a suitable garment - however, as suggested, the Go-overs might be the best solution!
Perhaps if you or friends are visiting the UK, I could meet up and I take them off your hands, if no one else comes forward who is nearer to you.
Valerie - you deserve a gold star for unpicking that afghan!!! As far as the tapestry wool goes... I am stumped. One thing to consider though - the children are not using the blankets next to bare skin, so if it's a bit scratchy it's not so critical as it would be in a vest. Sounds like you will have enough of it to keep you going for years!!!
I wonder if it would work for one of our GO-OVERS. Since this is designed as an outer garment, to be worn over several layers of clothes, texture is not as important... and pure wool would be SO warm. If you haven't seen this pattern, it is so simple. It is constructed entirely of squares and we designed it so anyone could make one... and it is big, bulky and loose-fitting so that kids can put on multilpe layers underneath in very cold weather.
Just after I read this I saw another post on Page 20 of the Knit-a-Square Blanket Albumabout a blanket made from tapestry wools:
I agree with Anne though - it would be great for Go-overs.