Wool, Mohair, Alpaca, and Llama fiber can be washed to remove dirt and grease and spun with or without being carded.
A lingerie bag works wonderfully.
Shake fiber and pull apart to remove as much vegetable matter as possible, then put into lingerie or sweater bag.
There are excellent wool or natural fiber detergents specifically made for this purpose.
I like to keep things simple.
I use Dawn dish washing detergent on really greasy fleeces, laundry detergent with a fabric softener added, or sometimes cheap shampoo.
(you know the ones you can find for 88 cents to a buck).
Fill washing machine with detergent and hot water, then add your bag of fiber.
Do not add bag before water as this can cause felting.
Do not allow the washer to agitate!Poke the bag down into water and soak for 20 minutes.
Spin, remove bag and repeat.
This process usually takes at least 4 washings.
Rinse using same method in the same temperature water, but add fabric softener instead of preferred detergent.
Remember that different temperatures of water will also cause felting.
Rinse 3-4 times.
Then remove your fiber from the bag, fluff and allow to air dry.
Once completely dry, fluff the fiber by gently pulling it apart and removing any remaining vegetable matter.
At this point decide if you want to card it orjust spin it up!I love to spin the yarn uncarded.
Spinning uncarded results is a wonderfully textured, rustic looking yarn.
Allow slubs to remain as they will add character to the finished yarn.
This yarn looks great knitted, crocheted, or woven.
It will also felt better than any I have tried in a knit/felt project.
Key points to remember when washing your fleece:To avoid felting and ruining your fleece...
don't allow the washer to agitate and use the same temperature water in the wash and rinse cycles.
Happy Spinning!