Fiber for spinning

One crucial realisation was that spinning is not only about the tools but also about understanding the materials. Wool fiber comes in various types, each with unique characteristics. For instance, Merino wool is soft and fine, perfect for cosy garments, while Romney wool, which is coarser, offers durability that's ideal for outerwear. This foundational knowledge became a significant part of my spinning journey. Instead of learning slowly with the basics and easy to spin fiber, I became facinated with "art batts", those fabulous floofy bundles of highly coloured fiber, mixed with silk and sari silk, curls and all manner of lovliness, animal, natural and synthetic. Great to look at, even to stroke and carress, but many not easy for a beginner spinner. Spinning yarn from art batts however, offers a unique way to explore your artistic side while producing beautiful, one-of-a-kind textiles. Art batts are fluffy, textured bundles of fibers, featuring a mix of colors and materials designed to inspire. They bring together an exciting array of different fibers, offering endless possibilities for those looking to make distinctive yarns. Each batt is a unique treasure, blending natural fibers like wool, alpaca, and silk with synthetic options, glitzy glitter, or playful sequins. The beauty of art batts lies in their individual character; no two batts are alike, making every spinning project a fresh experience.

What Are Art Batts?

Art batts are created by carding a mixture of various fibers together to form a soft and airy batt. Carding can be done using a carding machine or hand cards, which separate and blend fibers in a way that creates a fluffy product. In the beginning, I just took the easy option and bought my batts ready made. I loved those with blends that include wool, mohair, silk, sari silk, and even exotic fibers like bamboo or banana silk. I bought what I loved the look of without any idea about how they would actually spin!!

For example, a typical art batt might contain 50% wool, 30% alpaca, and 20% silk, providing a sturdy yet luxurious base for your potential yarn. The possibilities are clear: one batt might focus on a serene color palette of blues and greens, while another might explode with a kaleidoscope of bright colors and textures. This variety adds a playful touch to your spinning journey.

A vibrant art batt showcasing various fibers and colors.