[Jacob-list] flock management software for macs

[Debbie Bennett]

Jacob fiber shouldn't have much luster. Luster is usually stated as  
low, medium or high.  For crimp, spinners use a per inch measurement.  
Lay out a lock of fiber and count "bumps" in an inch. Jacob fiber is  
often hard to count as the "ideal" Jacob fibers should be  
individually crimpy, but should not lay together in a  uniform wavy  
lock. You might have to pull out just one fiber, to count, usually  
7-9 crimps in an inch. Compare some of your Jacob locks of fiber to  
Romney  (usually about 5 crimps per inch) or a long wool like Lincoln  
or Border Leicester (high luster, about 3 crimps per inch).  I have a  
couple of Jacobs whose fiber is 32-34 microns, 5 crimps per inch,  
nice wavy locks - and I have customers who buy them every year for  
hand spinning. Finer (28-30 micron), individually crimped fiber, is  
usually shorter, hand spins to finer yarn, takes a more advanced hand  
spinner to appreciate. Most of these fleeces, I send out to be  
processed into two ply yarn, at 14 wraps per inch (wrap the finished  
yarn around a ruler, count how many times you can wrap it around in  
an inch, there is obviously room for error here). 10 wraps per inch  
is worsted weight, 12 wpi is DK weight, 16 wpi is fingering weight  
(for socks and baby garments), 18 wpi is lace weight (these are  
general guidelines used in knitting instructions).
I think Jacob wool makes the best socks, and I like my socks just a  
little heavier than the norm. I can also use 14 wpi yarn for light- 
medium weight sweaters, color work (like fair isle) and for blanket  
or jacket weaving.
Hope this helps.
Debbie Bennett
Feral Fiber Farm
Oakland, Oregon
On Jul 18, 2005, at 7:03 PM, Ralene Mitschler wrote:

> Hi All
> Just purchased software for my mac that seems similar to Breeders'  
> Assistant which currently still needs to be run on Windows only (or  
> using soft windows/virtual pc to run on a mac).  It is called  
> Flockfiler Lite ($50 if purchased online).  There is also a Pro  
> version available.  http://www.flockfiler.com/
>
> So far it seems to be just fine for my use.  Have any of you tried  
> it before?
>
> Related to databases, what information can we get from having our  
> wool samples tested in addition to diameter?  I noticed I can enter  
> things like luster, crimp etc.  Are there standards already in  
> existence for that or do I come up with some version myself?
> Thanks for any info you can send my way!
> Ralene
>
> Ralene  Mitschler and Randall Morrison
> Chicory Lane Farm
> 687 Oxford Ave.
> Hanover PA  17331
> ralenemitschler at direcway.com
> 717.630.2988
> Cell 717.817.3794
>
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