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ok so I just got back from a new little yarn store in a town near mine... every thing there was hand spun, and I think she had the most raw fiber I've ever seen in one place at any time.
so I got some raw bamboo fiber and another drop-spindle, (I made my first), and am enjoying spinning up some new yarn.

the bamboo is like silk, but a third the price, but I don't really know anything about it... how do they take a hard plant like bamboo and make it into such lilky fibe like this? can I wash it? I know she said that I can't dye it like wool, how can I dye it? she allso said that bamboo is a natural anti bacterial, dose any one know anything about that ether?

I absolutely hated spinning with bamboo. It shed everywhere, and was hard to draft (this was probably due to the short staple length and the general slipperiness of the fibers). And after all the work (and a huge mess - I was shedding bamboo for days!) the finished product didn't even feel all that nice. sad

As for fiber generation, most plant fibers are produced by grinding the material up and then forcing it through spinerettes (think pasta makers for plant mush)

It is antibacterial because of the presence of the compound "bamboo kun," which has been shown to kill many species of skin-dwelling bacteria. I've done some research as to what exactly bamboo kun is without much success. My best guess is it's a general anti-microbial peptide that is produced by many plants. In nature there is much competition for growing space, so many trees and grasses produce natural pesticides to kill bugs, bacteria, or even other plants. I've seen reports that the anti-bacterial properties of bamboo fiber are lost after much washing.

I do not have any suggestions for dyeing this fiber because the ability to take up dye can be quite variable depending on preparation. If you try carding it with another fiber it may be convinced to take dye.

P.S. If you're looking for cheap silk substitutes look into tencel and soy. Soy sorta has the feel of silk that is has not been degummed, and it is grippier than bamboo. I'm a HUGE fan of merino/tencel blends. So shimmery and fun to spin!

Happy spinning!

EDIT: I forgot to mention that 100% bamboo does not have the elasticity of wool so make sure you take this into account when you plan what you will make with your new yarn. And, please share your results and thoughts!

I bought a pound of bamboo to spin... unfortunately, it is NOT carded, so I haven't even spun with it yet. crying

I do, but the only brush she has is a flea comb. sweatdrop

Lee... I'm just wondering, do you have a wheel or do you spindle spin? surprised

I didn't know that spinning wheels cost that much. A few months ago I mentioned to my mom that it might be nice to know how to spin my own yarn and she offered to loan me her spinning wheel and drum carder. I asked for a rain check because I don't have the time or patience to learn it now. (I still need to advance my knitting skills) She hasn't had the time to spin in years so the wheel and carder just sit unused in her storage locker.

*nods* I bought a "learn to spin" kit which came with (I find out later) a pretty expensive gemstone spindle. Pretty, but not particularly useful. I made 3 more after that out of wooden truck wheels and dowels. I've since bought a Bosworth Midi Spindle (which is amazing eek ) and a Mala Spindle (it's a bit heavy, but spins well). My mom got me a Spindolyn for my birthday a few days ago, but my drafting isn't good enough to use that yet. If you decide to invest in a professionally made spindle, I really suggest the Bosworth spindles. They're light, fast, and well made. 3nodding

(I got to try the Golding Aromatherapy RingSpindles at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, but I thought they were a bit heavy. They did work well, but the price is quite scary.)

I tell you, I am SOOO tempted by the Ashford Kiwi. Alas, I seriously have NO room for a wheel (even one as small as the Kiwi), so the one I'll probably end up getting is the Bosworth Journey Wheel. They have a super small one that's around 8 x 10 inches when it's closed.