Cruelty Free Angora Rabbit Fur

Ambika creates cruelty free Angora rabbit fur hats

Angora rabbits are shorn every three months (their natural molting cycle) when their fiber length is a minimum of three inches. At this point, they start molting and their coats need to be brushed or shorn off using scissors or clippers. If not, their coats begin to mat and they will lick themselves. Ingesting too much fiber causes wool block, which is similar to what happens to cats but without the ability to cough up a ball. In between this molting period the bunnies must be brushed weekly to avoid forming any unwanted mats. They readily sit on my lap and kick their back legs out during their brushing.The fiber is then washed with a natural, mild detergent to rid it of any debris and saliva, which also rids it of most allergen properties.
Now the fiber goes through a process called carding, being brushed from one metal slicker brush to another. After a few passes the fibers are combed straight and are aligned and ready to spin.
The fiber is then taken and spun on a spinning wheel into a single long strand that is wound onto a spool. This is done twice. Once the two spools are full, they are spun together to form an extra strong 2ply beautiful yarn, ready for crocheting.

Alum Hyunsoo Alice Kim's recent solo show

These are a few images of alum Hyunsoo Alice Kim's recent solo show of her jacquard work in Seoul Korea.