Qiviut is a short staple and is spun in the same manner as cotton or cashmere. In fact, before I started spinning the qiviut, I actually practiced on cotton and then cashmere. I controlled the twist a little by pinching and releasing near the orifice while spinning with a long backward draw.
I used the highest ratio on my double treadle Lendrum with a looser tension than I would normally use. I tried to keep the bobbin evenly filled with such a fine singles. By placing a small strip of cardboard on the bobbin and then evenly filling it, I was able to find a singles end in the event the thread snapped. This was extremely helpful, as I think if I hadn't done this I never would have found the end.
It was difficult to get started, but after I spent a little time working with it, it was most enjoyable.
Now I'll need to full this (cringe!) before it's useable!
Hello! I'm curious to see how this project turned out. I live in the Arctic, I am a spinner, and a friend is bringing me a goodly quantity of muskox shedding she found (there are no muskox in our region). Thankful for all the info, especially on dehairing.
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