Princess of Bob

Well, I survived finals - and even pulled a B+ in Evidence, my toughest class! HOORAY! :)

After finals were over, I spent a GLORIOUS weekend in Baltimore, MD with lots of costuming buddies at Costume Con 27 - and since then I’ve been crazy-busy trying to get my house in order, helping friends pack to move, and spending time with the hubby. :) I did, FINALLY, get some rovings dyed this past weekend - and another BIG batch last night.

Today’s Etsy update includes a bunch of squishy, squooshy MERINO rovings - and the first of the milk fiber!!

OMG, if you haven’t touched milk fiber, you are in for a treat! It’s as soft as bamboo, but even STRONGER than wool - and it’s ph level is the same as human skin, so it’s perfect for the super-sensitive spinner! Milk fiber also has wonderful anti-bacterial properties, which makes it great for socks and undergarments.

It spins beautifully, and blends like a dream with other fibers to add a little soft shine into your hand or drum-carded batts. Ply together a single of your favorite wool and a single of milk for a super strong, soft, shiny-like-silk yarn.

And, yes, it’s really made from milk! The fibers are spun from casein milk proteins, which has been used for centuries as a binder for paints. 14th and 15th century paints with casein binders are still bright and vibrant today!

I only have one up in the shop right now - but four more are on-deck to be posted tonight, once I get home and weigh them. :) Here’s a sneak preview, though:

Spinning-wise, the milk takes a little getting used to because it’s so soft and slippery - it was giving me fits until I upped the ratios on my wheel about as high as they could go, and treadle slowly - it sets a good twist into the single while still giving you time to draft evenly. I also spin from the fold, which helps a lot. :)

Happy spinning!