Combing Angora Rabbit fiber with Valkyrie Superfines

Just relaying my experiences with angora bunny fluff! Thank you for watching and please let me know what you think.
To purchase Valkyrie combs: valkyrietools.com
My website: thenaturalspin...
To contact me directly, please send email to: [e-mail]
Find me on Ravelry: thenaturalspinner
If you’d like to see things I’ve made to sell, check out my Etsy Shop:
www.etsy.com/s...
For some older blog posts: kimberlysheirlo...
If you would like ‘in person’ help, I’d be happy to Facetime/Zoom/Skype with you, just email to set up a time.
Periodically I offer classes on fleece selection, combing and spinning. Check my website for the current list of offerings. If you, your guild, or someone you know is interested in having me come and teach, please send me an email.
-Kimberly ☺

[@ilofc]

Yay a new video! I love watching your videos over and over while I'm knitting or spinning. It's so relaxing!

[@thenaturalspinner]

+JY H Thank you! I'm never sure what will happen when I put a video out there in the public domain, so I am pleased that you enjoy them. If you have any requests, I am always happy to try and oblige :) -Kimberly :)

[@annalikhvintseva7685]

Thanks so much for this marvelous video and your interesting comments! I'm so glad I've found your channel on the Internet. I'm just just learning to spin and I love your videos the most. The best regards from frozen Russia!

[@thenaturalspinner]

+Anna Likhvintseva Thank you! I appreciate your enthusiasm. I am always humbled by such comments. I just love working with fiber and hope that some of what I know may help others :) Happy spinning! -Kimberly :)

[@barbaragaspard1989]

You may try running a humidifier in the room for static control

[@thenaturalspinner]

Great idea, thanks!

[@paulettegaleener6754]

Thanks for the inspiring video! I just ordered my first set of combs today. The 3 pitch Valkyrie superfine combs and mounting board! You sold me on them with this awesome video. I don’t think one can find a better set for this purpose. I have one German/English Angora house bunny whose spun fiber I have never been thrilled with! Always bothered by neps noils irregularities! Lol. Hopefully I can use this for some raw alpaca I have. I do love to spin finely. Yes open and lacy something. Anyway I’m very excited to make some nice yarn soon!

[@thenaturalspinner]

Thanks for your lovely comment! How did your angora combing and spinning go?

[@manicspinner1959]

Another idea (if you haven't done it already): how you wash angora fiber before processing it.

[@thenaturalspinner]

Washing videos...yes! They are also on my list. Thanks for the wonderful suggestions :) -Kimberly

[@Stormyacres-55]

I loved your video! I have pet English angoras and wasn't sure how to proceed with processing their fiber. I was wondering what do you use to wash the fiber? I also believe that the fiber should be washed before processing due to the saliva and "dandruff" some animals have. I think that this can cause a allergic reaction for infants and children.

[@thenaturalspinner]

+Deborah Nanney Hi Deborah, For angora, you don't need any kind of special soap. Plain dish soap works just fine(non enzyme soap). Not too much though, just enough to get rid of any saliva residue and dander/dust. I do it in small mesh bags a couple of ounces at a time being careful not to felt it during rinsing. Thanks for the question and the comment :) Glad you liked it ! -Kimberly :)

[@pegp8590]

Are you using regular size fine combs or the mini combs? Also what accessories are holding the one comb stationary? I've never seen the combs being used, only the hand cards (which I have), because I used to raise French & German Angoras. I did have one English Angora, but you do need to cut the fiber, rather than pluck. I plan on raising the French again in the near future. Do you use a wool wash on the fiber? I am allergic to cat and rabbit fur, because of their saliva. Thank you for this video.

[@thenaturalspinner]

These Valkyrie Superfines only come in one size and fall into the mini category. The other Valkyries, except the Viking, come in mini and regular, with the mini being one inch less wide than the regular, otherwise they have the same size handle and tines. I do wash angora before combing and spinning it. I just use a tiny bit of dish detergent and warm water.

[@Gertieanne]

I love your videos

[@thenaturalspinner]

I'm so glad you enjoy them!

[@oksanacassagne3845]

thank you.

[@jewellfamilyfarm9597]

Do you wash your fiber in the mesh bags in a bucket of water or in a machine on gentle. What fo you use as a detergent? Then how do you dry the fiber?

[@thenaturalspinner]

Definitely in a bucket by hand. A washing machine would for sure felt it. I use a non-enzyme dish washing detergent. It is laid flat to dry on a screen. It will look flat and terrible, but after it dries, you can just use your fingers to fluff it back up.

[@АндрейПуторогин]

Спасибо хорошее видео. Скажите пожалуйста чем Вы опрыскиваете шерсть 6:50. Thank you for the good video. Please tell us what you are spraying wool 6:50.

[@thenaturalspinner]

Glad you liked it! I use just plain water, nothing else.

[@АндрейПуторогин]

@@thenaturalspinner Спасибо! Thank you!

[@ellenmcroberts7867]

I just found this video. I was having a hard time hearing your so very soft voice. What do you call the little leather piece you pulled the fiber thru.. I enjoyed you vid very much.

[@thenaturalspinner]

Sorry the sound isn't perfect. I'm going to try and make sure it's better on future videos. I'm not highly tech savvy really. I try and talk normally, but also slowly enough for people to follow what I'm saying. The diz I am using is made of a piece of plastic PVC pipe I cut to size, drilled holes in and sanded down. I make them and if you contact me via email @ [e-mail], I'll send you one for free if you're in the US. If you are international, we'll have to see if we can work something out. Or, if you're handy or know someone who is, you could make or have one made for you. It's not hard at all, just takes some time. Thanks for posting a comment! -Kimberly

[@milton3927]

Where could I purchase the Valkyrie Combs? Love the video. I just got two English Angoras for spinning.

[@thenaturalspinner]

In the description under the video are the retailers I know of who I have bought from in the past, so I can recommend them. The Superfines are super for combing Angora! -Kimberly

[@Abbysmamalama]

I was wondering if you have a video about washing and carding cashmere. I've been looking for the Valkyrie superfine combs? I'm having a bit of trouble finding a seller.

[@thenaturalspinner]

Hi Leah, below the video are websites to retailers who sell the Valkyrie combs. I have bought from them before, so can recommend them. I know more combs are being made, so check with the sellers often to see when they are in stock, or perhaps you could be put on a list for them and contacted when they come in. You would have to ask them. Cashmere...haven't done much with that. It is lovely fluff though. I will add that to my future video idea list! Thanks, Kimberly

[@webyourstuff1]

I was looking for your lace to see how it comes out. Couldn't find it.

[@thenaturalspinner]

I haven't done an Angora lace video, but it's on the list : ) -Kimberly

[@hexje01]

guard hair on bunnies? great info

[@thenaturalspinner]

+Yoff Kau Yep, guard hairs on bunnies...luckily not usually coarse enough to worry about...but sometimes I notice them...hard to get rid of all of them, even when combing. Thank you for posting a comment. -Kim :)

[@hexje01]

+TheNaturalSpinner Thank you for your video's!

[@Grace-ph5vh]

How are you keeping the comb stable? Valkyrie has a comb pad but it doesn't look like that's what you're using?

[@thenaturalspinner]

Hi Grace, I fashioned my own way to hold the combs and hackle. The comb is held with a screw through the hole in the handle and closer to the head is a conduit strap, like this- www.lowes.com/pd/Sigma-Electric-ProConnex-1-in-Two-hole-Strap-Intermediate-Metal-Conduit-Compatible-Galvanized-Rigid-Conduit-Compatible-Rigid-Metal-Conduit-Compatible-Conduit-Fitting/1000152465 - that holds the comb very securely. The hackle is held down with this -www.lowes.com/pd/AMERICAN-VALVE-1-2-in-to-4-in-dia-Galvanized-Hanger-Iron/3223489 - because it's just what I already had lying around. There should be a cushion (like drawer liner) between the metal and the wood to not create an indent. And of course I have a dedicated table that is just for combing so screwing into it is no big deal. Thanks for your question. - Kimberly

[@Grace-ph5vh]

@@thenaturalspinner thanks for the detailed reply!!

[@Sharkteethfossildiscoveries]

What combs are you using and what ones would you suggest for a beginner?

[@thenaturalspinner]

Hi Levi, I use Valkyrie combs. The ones used to comb the angora are the Superfine. I also have the Extrafine size. Having the two sets of different sizes means I can tackle pretty much any fleece out there, with few exceptions. I generally suggest beginners buy the Extrafine because they are good for a wide range of fibers. If someone gets more into fibers less than 20 microns, then I'd say add the Superfine. -Kimberly

[@faizkhan9691]

I am frome pakistan i want start farming angora rabbit but there is no avilbal angora cun you halep me out??

[@thenaturalspinner]

Wish I could, I don't raise rabbits though. Good luck!

[@riakent750]

Hi Dear Faiz. Now in Pakistan very easy available many kinds of Angora Rabbits, Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and many more cities. You can Search easily. Thanks