Using Your Dogs Hair

Dog hair (called chiengora)can be spun into yarn, much like sheeps's wool, alpaca, or any other animal fiber. The process is the same. Dust and oils can be washed out of the spun hair, so there is no "doggie odor." Amazingly, the spun yarn is warmer than wool, easy to care for, and has an angora-like fluffy texture. Until recent times, most dog owners didn't realize the beauty of the colors and texture of their dog's hair could be used in the manner of sheep's wool.

It's really as easy as brushing your dog. There are some guidelines to getting the best and softest yarn possible. When brushing your dog, be sure to collect from the parts where the hair is the longest and softest. This is undercoat. Hair must be 2 inches or longer for best results. Hair should be clean and dry, with no grass or debris in it. Brush the hair from the longest, softest parts of the dog, saving only this hair. It is the undercoat you want, not the coarse top coat. Clippings will not work well for spinning with dogs that have double coats. There is too much guard hair, and the yarn quality will not be as nice as the pure undercoat.

Remove dog hair from the brush and save it in a paper bag. Save hair that is completely dry, and as clean as possible. (Do not attempt to clean it once it is brushed off the dog!) Bathe your dog first, and brush when the hair is dry. Paper allows the fiber to "breathe" and not be trapped with oils in a plastic bag. The best way to store the hair from brushings, is in a paper sack, or cloth bag, such as a pillowcase. Despite what your mother or grandmother used to do, NEVER USE MOTH BALLS! Moth balls contain a toxic chemical that is dangerous to breathe, and it is impossible to remove the mothball smell from the hair. How much do you save? It depends on what will be made with the finished yarn. Most small projects use about 6 ounces of hair.

Transforming dog hair into yarn takes much time and care. First, the yarn is evaluated for spinning. Depending on length, and how the yarn will be used, I determine if the hair needs blending with a soft merino wool. Blending minimizes shedding out, and produces a more durable yarn. Although most people want 100% of their dog's hair to be used in a product, this isn't always possible. The dog's color can still be seen and the fluffy texture is still present in the finished yarn.

From this point, the process is the same as spinning sheep's woolI use a drum carder for the blending process. This carder has metal teeth on it, that comb the wool, so the fibers are lined up and ready for spinning. The fiber is lifted off the drum carder, loosely rolled up, and set aside by the spinning wheel.

The yarn is spun into single strands on a spinning wheel, and then plied for strength. The yarn is then cleaned by hand, using a mild conditioning detergent or dog shampoo, and air dried. It is then wound into balls or skeins and is then ready to be knitted or crocheted into a scarf, hat, ornament, and many other things.

Because it is handcrafted, and personal, a chiengora gift makes a sentimental remembrance. It is better to begin collecting hair while your pet is healthy and younger. People have often told me that it is comforting to have a soft, "pettable" scarf, hat, teddy bear, or other item made from their dog's hair, and it brings back happy memories.

Fran Pike spins and knits with luxury fibers, including angora, alpaca and "chiengora." She founded Rover's Comb to enable people to have beautiful keepsakes made from their dog's long, brushed hair. Her work is showcased at http://www.roverscomb.com

---

What Do I Need to Start Scrapbooking?

The best thing about scrapbooking is that although there are a plethora of scrapbooking supplies available on the market, you really don't need a lot to make... Read More

How to Make Sea Shell Candles

Collecting sea shells along the beach is a favorite kids summer activity. Take it one step further by transforming their seaside treasures into beautiful decorations or kids... Read More

Ever Wanted to Make Your Own Themed Gift Baskets?

If you've always wanted to know how to make your own gift baskets, this article will give you some tips to get started. Gift baskets are such... Read More

A Playtime Project: The Memory Quilt

A friend recently suggested a use for my daughter's first wardrobe, which I've dutifully saved in the back of the closet, and lugged on two long distance... Read More

Why Do I (You) Collect?

I just got back from the vet with my cat "Spud". He gave us quite a scare, we went away for a couple of day's vacation and... Read More

Jewelry and the Art of Selling

Two of the most frequently asked questions we get at the Online Jewelry Appraisal Center is:"How do I sell an item of Antique or Estate Jewelry?" or...... Read More

50 Ideas to Get Organized and Enjoy Your Scrapbooking Hobby

Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby! Besides being relaxing and fun, it also allows you to be creative and to spend quality time with your family and friends.... Read More

Getting Rid of Messes and Mistakes in Your Scrapbooks

No matter how careful you are, you will undoubtedly find a mistake, mark, or mess on your finished scrapbook page. This is just part of the process... Read More

Spruce Up Your Pages with Scrapbooking Embellishments

Having this nagging doubt that you may upstage your precious photos or clutter your pages with scrapbooking embellishments?One moment you're just so tempted to paste the embellishment... Read More

How To Make a Pinata

MATERIALSA Large Round or Oval BalloonNewspaper, torn into 1 inch by 6-8" inch stripsWhite computer paper or paper towels, torn into stripsFlour and water mixture for paper... Read More

Learn Origami

Basic foldsMost of the designs that you will learn will use a square piece of paper ? and most will be done with origami paper, so the... Read More

Tips for Flower Arranging at Home

Floral design is an art and for some it comes easy. If you have tried and failed or never tried at all, take heart, all is not... Read More

Depression Glass Companies

Just before the advent of the Great Depression, more than a hundred companies manufactured glassware in the United States. At the end of the Depression, fewer than... Read More

Woodworking Beginners: Secret Tips To Start Right

Woodworking: Where To Start - Tips From Experienced WoodworkersWoodworking encompasses a broad area of skills, specialties, and applications. Some beginners take on too much too soon or... Read More

Depression Glass Trivia

Depression glass facts make for interesting conversation, especially when you're at a convention or talking amongst other Depression glass aficionados. So here are a few items to... Read More

Printing on Canvas

Given the progress in inkjet and media technology, demand for printing photographs and art on canvas is growing exponentially. Whether you have a good inkjet printer or... Read More

How To Create A Collage Journal

Creating a collage journal is a unique and fun way to personalize and enrich your journal. Making a collage journal is something that everyone can enjoy. If... Read More

Gingerbread Houses - Step by Step by Alison Anton

There's no better way to spark up the holiday cheer than to create a gingerbread house with the whole family. My mom, brother and I made these... Read More

Fun with Origami!

Storing origamiThis is a great question. Many people want to hold on to their special crafts for years to come. While there is no specialized container that... Read More

Why You Need A Display Case

Why You Need A Display CaseSome people are under the impression you need to own a retail shop to have a display case. While commercial display cases... Read More

How to Make a Simple Gemstone Necklace

With gemstone beads, every bead is precious. Every bead is beautiful. A little more effort is needed when stringing a gemstone necklace together.First, decide on the design.... Read More

A Scrapbook Page To Celebrate Your Childs First Haircut

Here's a great idea for making a special 'first haircut' scrapbook page. Between the ages of about 12 and 18 months, a baby boy or girl may... Read More

How to Invest in Antique, Vintage, or Modern Jewelry

As Antique Jewelry is 'Really' based on the 'Collectability' and Style of an item, it is hard for clients to appreciate the 'Craft' involved in Handmade work,... Read More

Creative Soap Crafts

Soap is a craft that is fun and easy to make. It's a great project to do with your kids.Simply follow the instructions below and you'll be... Read More

Production and Pricing of Craft Show Items

This is where you can really make or break your craft show career. Being able to produce quality crafts as efficiently and affordably as possible is the... Read More

A Look at Cloisonné Lapel Pins

Cloisonné lapel pins are the most traditional, if not the most collectible of the lapel pin types. Most of the older lapel pins are either die-cast metal... Read More