If you are interested in having your dog's (or cat’s) fur spun into yarn, here are some helpful tips.
Long haired breeds work best for 100% dog yarn, (Golden Retriever, Samoyed, Bernese Mountain Dog, Husky, German Shepherd, etc). Ideally the length of the fur should be 1" or more. Fur should be brushed (not cut) from the dog. Dog fur can be mixed with wool, alpaca, etc. if a softer yarn is desired. The dog fur does not need to be washed ahead of time, but it should be entirely brushed (please don't sweep dog fur off the floor and use that).
Dog and cat fiber lacks "memory" when used, so many times it is preferable to mix it with wool, especially if you are going to make a garment.
Shorter dog fur is fine too, but it will need to be mixed with a longer fiber, i.e. wool, alpaca, etc. (there is an added charge for providing the extra fiber). Generally the yarn might be a little scratchy due to the shorter fibers in the yarn.
It is best to store your brushings in a paper bag. At least 4 ounces is needed to create a small knitted or woven project.
Services Provided: - Fiber processing (cleaning, carding, preparation) - Recommendations for dog/cat yarn projects - Knitting, Weaving items from your dog/cat yarn
Cost: $15 per ounce. This is for a finished 2-ply yarn that is 100% from your dog/cat. Any wool, or alpaca that is added will be $2 per ounce for the added fiber.
Any item that I make with your yarn is an added cost that will be discussed and will depend on the project/item.
Please email any questions. Each spinning job is a unique experience and you and I may have additional questions about your particular situation.
