~HOW WOOLEN CLOTH IS DYED~
Dyeing of woolens is done in three ways--in the wool, in the thread
after it is spun, or in the piece after it is woven. If the wool is
to be “dyed in the wool” it is now conveyed to the dyehouse, dyed the
shade required, then returned to the mixing room.
During the process of scouring, when the yolk was removed, a large part
of the natural oil of the wool was also eliminated, and, in order to
restore this lubricant, the wool is sprinkled with an oil emulsion, and
the mixing picker thoroughly blends the wools.
From here the wool goes to the cardroom, and by means of the carding
machine the fibres are carded and drawn and delivered to the finisher
in a broad, flat sheet. By means of the condenser it is divided into
narrow bands, and the wool--free as yet from twist--comes out in soft
strands. These strands or threads are called roping.
[Illustration: MENDING ROOM