Our first offering of Valais Blacknose is mostly white and blond with a smattering of grays. The tapered locks are mostly about 5″ in length, with some growing out to 7″ long. This is a medium to coarse fleece; not something to be used for a next to skin garment.
All of our hand carders, drum carders, and other tools are handcrafted in our woodshop in Pinole, California. Wood and other materials are sourced from within the USA and particularly within our Fibershed whenever possible.
All fleece for sale is purchased direct from ranches throughout the USA and is washed here in our shop. All processed fiber for sale is carded at a local mill here in Northern California.
The Lock Pop seems like a very nice addition to my little arsenal of fiber processing tools (hand cards, combs, flicker, pet comb). So far I'm finding it more ergonomic to use than a flicker. The Lock Pop is impressive at getting the VM out of a lock of fleece. ALL the VM falls out, even sticky seeds. The Lock Pop is nicely designed - it's clear that Clemes and Clemes has considered the exact height and curve to use for the wood block, as well as the specs for the carding cloth. It's a satisfyingly attractive tool - since for me fleece processing is about going into a relaxing, meditative mode, the look and feel of the tools I use is also part of the enjoyment. I am guessing my Lock Pop will last a long time, as long as I follow the technique on the Clemes and Clemes video, where you pop the lock onto the carding cloth gently until it opens up, then draw the lock through the wires, which cleans it like magic.
My first wheel is a Clemes and Clemes from 1974. It's almost as old as I am! It was an unexpected "inheritance" from the mother of a deceased friend and is a treasured mainstay of my textile art tool collection. I'm a tall woman so I really appreciate the height of the castle, and it has a lovely weight to the wheel - when it gets rolling it stays rolling. I find it easy to spin for hours even though it is a single treadle. I also enjoy the ease of the double drive - as the description states it requires much less adjustment as the bobbin fills, even with jumbo bobbins.
I am so grateful that Clemes and Clemes started producing their Traditional again so that I was able to purchase additional accessories (like the Jumbo flyer and bobbins) for the old girl. With plenty of oil and care I know she'll last my lifetime and likely beyond as well. Thank you Clemes and Clemes!
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