Has anyone spun Bamboo for their own weaving projects?

I have spun silk, cotton and all sorts of animal fiber (wool, alpaca, dog...etc.) However, I have fallen in love with this bamboo fiber, and was curious if anyone has had experience spinning and dyeing it. Specifically for warp use.

 

Thanks, JJ Walts

 

Comments

Thu, 08/20/2009 - 17:45

claudia (not verified)

Hi JJ,

Good to see you in the forums.  I have spun bamboo and wool, 50/50 mix that I bought the fiber at Maryland Sheep & Wool.  It was very easy to work with and the result is stunning.  In fact, my best friend knit me a beautiful shawl with the fiber.  It just needs to be dressed and I will post pictures.

Claudia

Thu, 08/20/2009 - 19:19

laurafry

I would just make sure it had sufficient twist - otherwise it shouldn't be a particular problem.

I took a workshop with Judith MacKenzie McCuin, and one of the fibres we worked with was bamboo.

Cheers,

Laura

Thu, 08/20/2009 - 21:19

JJWalts (not verified)

Yeah, Claudia it took my a bit to get here...but it is such a lovely site.

 

Laura, did you use a fast spinning whorl? Like for cotton? Another thing, does steam set the twist..or does it need some other type of finishing?

 

Thanks, JJ

Thu, 08/20/2009 - 22:18

laurafry

I'm not really a spinner (in spite of owning 3 wheets!)  The spinning wheel was the orifice by which the universe sucked me to the loom.  :)

According to Judith MacKenzie McCuin, one should not spin a singles "unless one has a good reason to" so I would expect that her advice would be to spin the bamboo tightly, ply firmly, set with water.  She's as much an advocate of wet finishing her yarn as I am the woven web.  :) 

Cheers,

Laura