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Sandi.S. Posts: 1,277

Okay, I think I've read that a few people on this board do spinning, but I don't remember who.

Anyway, I have an idea that I was just wondering whether it was do-able.

Since I make crochet bears with yarn I was wondering about having some custom yarn spun. I hope this doesn't sound too odd because I really have the best intentions at heart. I have a long-haired Himalayan cat who is getting up there in years and I know she isn't going to be with me forever. I wonder if I could shave some of her fur and have it spun into yarn. Then I could make a little crocheted cat that I could always remember her by. And I think it would be extra special to be able to touch that little kitty and know that a piece of my Pookie is right in my hand. And she did have to get shaved before...looked a little goofy but she didn't mind and it does grow back!

Any helpful info on whether I could actually do this would be greatly appreciated!

psichick78 Flying Fur Studios
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 3,073

Sandi, I  know the undercoat of dogs can be used, but that stuff is almost like roving.
As for cats fur, I don't think it could be spun.
Maybe someone else knows different though.
Great idea! I know I hear of people getting hats are scarves made of their pets fur.

Daphne Back Road Bears
Laconia, NH USA
Posts: 6,568

I know folks who have had their dog's fur spun in similar fashion. One woman had her dog shaved when it was put to sleep!

Yea, anyway... it's a very sentimental and lovely idea you have! I'm sure you can find someone to do this for you. If not someone here contact your locally owned yarn/kintting shop... they'll likely know of someone!

Eileen Baird'sBears
Toronto
Posts: 3,873

bear_original Sandi,

If your Himalayan's fur is fine enough, it should be quite spinnable. It's the stiffer guard hairs that seem to be spin-resistant.

I've been collecting my dog Lucy's brushed fur for months (she's pushing 15!), and I've got quite a pile stashed. I've never used a spinning wheel or a drop-spindle, but I'm considering a go at the drop-spindle. Meanwhile, I find myself idly finger-spinning clumps of the fur (rabbit/cat/dog) I rake off the furniture!

Eileen

Sandi.S. Posts: 1,277

Yay! I found a place on the net that specializes in spinning pet fur! And they do cats too! http://www.vipfibers.com/

I can either collect the fur from brushings or use clippings. So I guess I will get a bag started to stash the brushed fur. If it takes forever, maybe I'll get out the clippers!  bear_grin She is very soft to pet, but most of the hair that comes out in the brushing is alot softer. So I think it'll work just fine.

I remember brushing my dogs in the summer. Oh my goodness, so much fur came off. I joked around about saving it because that undercoat was incredibly soft. I didn't give it much thought after that because I don't know how to make yarn!

And I want to do it now while she's still with me. I don't think I could bear to shave her after she passed.

psichick78 Flying Fur Studios
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 3,073

remember that the fluff the comes in the brush after you brush your pet can be felted as well.
You need alot of it, but a cool idea I think.

Sandi.S. Posts: 1,277

I don't know how to needlefelt, but I could probably send a big bag of dog fur to every felter on this board!

Sandi.S. Posts: 1,277

Do you think I can get fabric made with pet hair?  bear_grin  That would be very cool!

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