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Rabbit Personalities First things first, When bringing home a new bunny, place him in his new cage and let him get used to it, this is all new to him and to you also. Then start talking to him so he can get used to your voice. I spend a lot of time in my rabbitry so this is easy for me to do. Then in a couple of days start talking to the bunny and sticking your finger inside his cage through the wire, without opening the cage door, for him to get used to your scent. Don't just automatically think that the bunny will fall in love with you and that is that, it doesn't work that way. This all takes time and some bunnies take to this easier than others do, they do each have their own personalities. But over time even the most resistant bunny will grow to love you and you him. Now some time has passed and he is used to his new surroundings then start opening his cage and first letting him smell your scent then try petting him gently on the head then maybe his ears. Now take your time, you don't want to frighten him. Some bunnies will warm up quite quickly, others are more hesitant and age seems to matter also. Babies are more apt to adjust quickly whereas an adult sometimes has taken me a year or so to get them this friendly. As time passes on one of my favorite and theirs also is to scratch his back starting from the rump to the shoulders, they really seem to love this. Then in time put your hand under his face and you will see that he will start to lick your hand, for some reason this is something that they really love, not all bunnies mind you but I would say 95% of them will. I think it is the sound of your voice and the scent of you and that special soft touch that you have with them. Believe me some of mine now come running up to see me. I put my finger in their cage and tell them to give me a kiss and they will start licking my finger, some will just chin me but that also is a sign of endearment for a bunny. Even the meanest of bunnies will sooner or later succumb to this treatment. I know mine are spoiled but that is why I have them. I have some of the friendliest of bunnies with wonderful temperaments and yes it did take time but that is one of the best things in my life are my furry friends. Over the years I have had some great times with my animals, watching my son and them play hide and seek running all over the house, what a joy. Hanging out laying next to me watching TV. You have to show the bunny that he can trust you to take care of him and in return he will show you he loves you also. I could go on with remarkable stories about how I think that bunnies have communicated with me over the years but then again you all just might think that I have lost my mind. But believe me you to will someday have the greatest memories of your bunnies if you just take some time to hear them. This is also a great selling point. Most people want to know first off if they are mean and if they bite. As long as I have been raising angoras none have ever to this day bit me. When you show people how they kiss you then they to will fall in love with them just like you did long ago. The wool is secondary to the individual personalities that lay hidden in each and every bunny. Don't cheat them or yourself of the joy of that experience. |
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Fast and Simple This is a fast and simple scarf that I have come up with using the Knitting Machine. Mine is a older model the Brother KH-260 that I picked up second hand. It's fine for fast projects like this one. This is a bulky machine that is great for using handspun and angora. I am not that experienced with knitting machines nor will I ever be being my first love is weaving. But sometimes we just don't have the time required to warp up the loom. So this scarf is just 34 stitched wide and I used a pattern called Thread Lace. I like the open pattern with use of angora because it gives a lovely soft feel to it. I like to plain knit for about 8 rows then set the pattern working using a fine thread for my lace knit. Sometimes a nice Pearle cotton or in this case a nice shiny fine thread of natural color. I like to make short scarves that are perfect for wearing inside a jacket so waist length is just perfect. This one has 132 rows including 8 rows of plain knitting at the end. Finished off with a finished edge using a tapestry needle. Then I will add fringe to both ends, wash and block and their you have it short and sweet. This Scarf took 4 ounces of angora. I have done many scarves on this machine some using alpaca and angora, using a two color Tuck Stitch Pattern. This also is lovely using two colors of angora. These also seem to sell well. Just weight up the scarf and figure the cost of angora which I charge $13 ounce for handspun angora and then a few more dollars for the work and time put into it . Your customers will love these fast and simple scarves. These can be run off in a matter of a hour or so , now isn't that fast and easy? Now we have more time for caring for our Angoras or spinning. This Scarf took 4 ounces of angora. |
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SAFETY FIRST!!! Several masks are available. My choice is the charcoal mask. You can go to your local store and buy one for protection for chemical fumes but I find it too bulky. I prefer the Delta 2 Dust-Mist-Fume Disposable Respirator, Part 463-03-00R10 TC-21C-629. Write to: Ventilation is as important as masks are to safety in dying. A well ventilated area is a must. Keep kids and pets (even Birds) out of dying area. Utensils are NEVER to be used for regular kitchen duty and dying. Wipe dying areas, including vents above the stove, with bleach after dying is completed. Dye granules are airborne and collect in the most unlikely places. Cover floor and counters while dying and wipe with bleach after. As you may know, there are a variety of dyes and ways to dye. This is not an article on technical dying. I love to play with dyes, and the greatest pleasure comes with the surprise in rainbow dying. I soak my angora for half an hour with Ivory dish soap or a wetting agent, such as Synthrapol. Place it in a large pot with just enough water to cover. Bring to boil. Now you have a choice. Prepare dye of your choice as directed on label. Add to dye pot in lines, giving considerable thought to the merging of dyes. Push down to disperse dye. DO NOT STIR!!! Poking straight down only occasionally. Simmer for half an hour. Rinse until water runs clear then rinse with one cup of vinegar to set dye. Enjoy your rainbow surprises. SOLID COLOR DYEING - Don't forget Safety. The steps to follow are similar to rainbow dyeing. Soak steps to follow are similar to rainbow dyeing. Soak Angora to be dyed in water and Ivory for half an hour. Double amount of water in the pot and bring to boil. Add water in the pot and bring to boil. Add amount of dye needed for amount of fiber following package directions. Simmer for half an hour stirring and turning occasionally. White angora will absorb dyes much differently than will colored angora. Let your imagination take you on many journeys through life's dye pots. Relax and have fun - dyeing does not have to be so technical. |
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