Process - Raw Fibre
Fibre Sourcing and Preparation
Part of Debbie's studio practise is preparing yarn from raw fleece.
Her process begins with ethically sourced, raw materials that carry a specific narrative or connection to place. She incorporates a diverse range of fibres, including rare-breed wool, alpaca, linen, nettle and hemp.
Debbie often uses wool/locks from local sheep and alpacas. Fleeces are washed using environmentally friendly methods before being processed in her studio.
She uses a range of heritage and contemporary tools to spin her yarn.
She spins on an Ashford and Louet spinning wheel. Her techniques range from simple single-core spun threads to plied or artisan lock yarn.
Each yarn is finished through a cycle of skeining, soaking, and wet-finishing to set the twist and texture.