March spinning group 'something special' day carding demonstration 4

Then it was time for the audience to have a go if they wished

Chris helped

Kathy went in to a few more picking details with Fran

March spinning group 'something special' day carding demonstration 3

Next step was putting some fleece through the drum carder. Kathy had wonderful hints to make everything easier and avoid clogs (like the netting across the take-in area). She has developed a lot of great ideas, and does justice to the saying "necessity is the mother of invention".

Winding the drum to make sure it is all processing evenly

Showing how it lifts off and is rolled into a small rolag

Showing how to slip the tool (a handy screwdriver will do) under the fibre where the card joins so that it can be peeled off and rolled up--or left as a bat if thicker.

March spinning group 'something special' day carding demonstration 2

Oooh, Kathy, don't let those picker teeth go!!!

Look at that beautiful cloud of fluff that has come out the other end. Kathy catches it in a small, clear plant hot house so that it doesn't blow everywhere.

A good shot of how the fleece is dragged across the lower teeth by the top teeth

Tiger didn't want to be carded by mistake so he found an equipment box to sleep in.

Everyone joined in, old Jess guarded the path so we were all safe, and in the box on the path you can just see Tiger keeping away from that picker. And we had a visit from our Ravelry friend Wynn from Sydney who is an ex-Albury girl. Even Mal came to offer advice on the smooth workings of the carder.

March spinning group 'something special' day carding alpaca demonstration 1

After Kathy's intro she got ready to put the raw fleece through the stages of preparation:

First stage was the wonderful picker which did an amazing job

It is definitely worth keeping your mind on the job and your fingers where they should be with those big beasties swinging around

We were all fascinated with the great results. Dangerous equipment, but well worth the process.

Something Special for Spinning Group on our March 9 09 long weekend

Our March Something Special Day for spinning group was A BEAUTY!!!
Kathy P came with a load of gear and set up outside in the very pleasant autumn afternoon. We welcomed Jean and Cathy E, and Ros was back after the bushfires.
Kathy did an intro to her demonstration while the gang busily knitted on, listening intently.

Pam was knitting with doubled yarn.

And Cathy E was knitting with dpns,

Isn't this bag just gorgeous!