Today my spinning group and I went to the Aurora Colony Museum’s Antique Spinning Wheel Showcase. It was so great to see all of the antique wheels in operation and all of the wonderful ladies spinning on them. There was so much history throughout the buildings and I even got some fiber! Here are a few pictures.
This one is of Sheila. She is part of our spinning group and was participating in this event.
This is a walking wheel, though this woman is sitting down. I’m not sure exactly what all of the parts are called, but it was a truely inspiring site.
Some Llama’s that were visiting the museum. They were gorgeous and oh so soft!
This woman is shearing an Angorra rabbit. Though I was told you should never use scissors to do this. There is a proper way, though I am not one to say how it should be done, as I have never done it.
Our group had such a great time! We’re going on another adventure next week to a Spring Fiber Sale in Oregon City. Can’t wait! Until next time!
*Update: March 2009*
I have another post about this year’s Antique Spinning Wheel Showcase. You can view it by going here.
Melissa's Kre8tions 
Looks like a fun day!
Actually shearing rabbit with scissors is perfectly fine and is a method used by both novice and experienced rabbit breeder alike. There are 3 methods of harvesting angora rabbit fiber, cutting, plucking, or brushing. The brushing method is very ineffective and plucking only works on some angora rabbits while shearing or cutting is the most popular technique. Cutting can be done either with scissors or with specially designed shears. To my knowledge there is only one brand of shears specifically designed and capable of properly handling rabbit hair and it is made by a company in Germany. I’m not sure who told you that shearing rabbits with scissors is not a proper method. I have been raising angora rabbits for over ten years and have met some of the top breeders in the USA and none of them have ever said scissors were not suitable for the task.
Deidra,
Thank you for the information. It is always helpful to have someone who knows an answer to step forward and help to educate others. Thank you again. ^_^
Melissa
I’ve only ever use small scissors to give my bunnies a clipping! I also use my grooming table & a lazy susan. I take a small shear, I got some really nice German ones, ~$50 or so …and actually round off the point, it helps cut down on accidental cuts. I keep them nice & sharp, angora is so fine, it will dull shears. I carefully start behind the ears & shoulder, working from R to L … after an inch or so, I move forward on the dewlap one side then the other.
I then work my way R to L all the way to the top of the rump (from the front) then I turn them tail side toward me. I find the tail, and work the rest of the way down the rump. Back feet, … then they go in my lap, upside down, …
back feet, tail, careful of the “parts” and nipples, give a good clipping on the belly hair, and chest hair, finishing up on front feet & rest of dewlap.
Oh, I FORGOT, I mainly have Giant Angora’s … they don’t shed, and have to be clipped. I’m getting one done in ~ 45 minutes or so. Depends on the bunny. Sometimes takes lots of papaya to distract them.
When I have to clip a French or Satin, I do it the same way. IDK much about English.
That’s how I do it, and only ever have…
JLH