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Linda's Tu-Tu Roll-Ups Tu-Tu roll ups are a method of washing raw wool in separate locks or samples but in a large quantity with the wool being protected and controlled by the fabric it is rolled up in. It takes a little more time and labor but produces a superior product to spin from. After experimenting it is the only method I use as the wool has never felted or been unusable or needed to be washed over. It was recommended for worsted spinning as it is very easy to know tips from cut ends as the wool comes out of the wash just as you lay it down on the tulle fabric and is ready for combing into top or sliver. I use it for combing or carding because the wool comes out of the wash so clean and easy to manage. First you need to get some tulle from a fabric store. Tulle is mainly used in petticoats, veils and of course tu-tu's for those who like ballet. You should always be able to find it as it is a major part of wedding outfits and is always stocked. It comes in two thicknesses. I use the stiffest one because it holds its' shape best and will stay in the shape of the rows I make when I roll-up my wool in it but either will work. Buy two or three yards of this fabric. It is rather inexpensive - usually less than $2.00 a yard. Cut the fabric into squares about 2ft x 2ft. The longer they are the harder it is to find places for them to dry when they are unrolled. Lay your fabric on a clean flat area and start placing locks of wool in a row about 2 to 3 inches apart. The locks should each be about 2 inches wide. Once you have placed locks of wool across one row, fold the fabric over the wool and turn it over. Repeat the process placing the wool samples in a row in the gaps from the first row. Repeat this process until you run out of fabric to fold over your wool. Now roll it up like a jelly roll or fruit roll-up and fasten it with a large rubber band that will hold it but not squeeze it or tie a string around to keep the roll up closed. You can make as many roll ups as you want. I wash in a stationary tub and fill 18 inch wood trays with 12 to 15 roll ups per tray. The trays have stainless steel screen bottoms so I just lift them up and put the roll ups on end and they drain very nicely. Wash with very hot water and detergent, letting it soak about 15 minutes. Drain and rinse until the water is clear, just as you normally would when you wash your wool. Press the roll ups in a bath towel to wick away any excess moisture and let them set about 1/2 hr or so then take your roll ups and unroll them on a flat surface to dry. You can start working with your wool once it is dry. They should all be in order because the tulle holds them as they are placed but lets all the water in and dirt out like a sieve. Mine have always come out lovely. On the video where I learned this method it showed her even using a flicker brush and drafting right from the sample lock. So good luck and if you don't mind a little extra work the results are well worth it! Happy spinning. Linda
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