82 



Language Through Nature 



The wool fibers were straightened out by a process called 

 combing or carding. Then it was spun into threads; and 

 these in turn were twisted to make yarn. 



If you have seen anyone spin, tell about it. 



What is the color of natural wool ? 



How do we get so many colors of yarn and cloth ? 



Tell what you know about weaving. If you have seen a 

 loom or a frame for weaving, describe it. 



Bring pieces of woolen cloth of different colors and patterns to 

 school. Make a picture showing the various ways of spinning or 

 weaving. 



SUGGESTED WORK 



If possible, get part of a sheep's fleece. Take a little of the wool and pull 

 it into a fine thread. Roll or twist it into yarn with the fingers. 



Put a handful of logwood chips, or pieces of butternut bark, or a little indigo 

 into a quart of water, let it boil, then strain. Add a little copperas or alum 

 to fix the color. Put the wool or yarn into this dye and let it boil until colored 

 as dark as you like. Rinse and dry the yarn. 



Write a description of what you have done and tell the color of the yarn 

 after it is dyed. Keep samples of the colored and uncolored yarn with your 

 description. 



Trace all the changes in the wool from the time it was part of the sheep's 

 covering until it was ready for you to wear. 



SHEEP 



From a painting by Bruzzi 



