What Do I Do with Compressed Malabrigo Nube? A Spinner’s Guide to Fluffy Fiber

So, you’ve just opened your package of Malabrigo Nube from Forever Winding Wool, and your heart skipped a beat. Those colors! That legendary merino softness! It’s a work of art just waiting to happen, and you eagerly open the braid. But wait. It feels a little too thick... squished. Maybe even a bit felted. You might be thinking, "Help, my Malabrigo Nube is felted!"

Don’t you worry for one second. This is completely normal! Think of it like a beautiful butterfly that’s been tucked into its chrysalis. With a little gentle coaxing, that compressed fiber is ready to emerge and show off its spectacular true self. With a few simple tricks, you’ll be spinning a yarn so smooth and vibrant, you’ll forget you ever had a doubt.

This guide will show you exactly how to spin Malabrigo Nube, from a compressed braid to beautiful yarn.

1. The Gentle Unfurling: Pre-Drafting Your Roving

The most important first step is to give your fiber some breathing room. Pre-drafting is like a gentle stretch for the wool, loosening the compressed fibers so they can glide through your fingers.

• Take a manageable section of roving (about the length of your forearm).
• Hold it lightly between your hands, spaced several inches apart.
• Gently, gently pull your hands in opposite directions to make it wider. You’re not trying to pull it apart, just to feel the fibers begin to loosen and drift. Imagine you're waking up a sleepy kitten.
• Work your way down the entire length of the roving. This simple step is a game-changer for preventing clumpy, uneven yarn.

2. Divide and Conquer: Splitting for Success

Malabrigo Nube is a generous, thick roving. Trying to spin it straight from the braid can feel like trying to sip a milkshake through a coffee stirrer. Splitting it makes everything easier.

• Find a natural starting point on your selected length and divide the roving in half lengthwise. It should pull apart without much of a fight.
• Is it still too thick for your liking? Split it again! You can create quarters or even eighths. The goal is a strip that feels comfortable in your hands.

Spinner's Tip: These thinner strips are your secret weapon for creating delicate, fine-gauge singles. They also give you incredible control over how the colors play together in your final yarn.

The Secret to Spinning Malabrigo Nube: Handling Stubborn Spots

Sometimes, a roving needs a bit more persuasion. If you're still hitting matted sections, it's time to bring out the big guns (which are actually very gentle).

The Spa Treatment: A Bit of Steam

A little steam can work wonders to fluff up and relax compacted fibers.

• You can use a garment steamer (from a safe distance!) or simply hold the roving over a steaming pot or kettle for a minute or two. The goal is for the steam to penetrate the fiber, not to make it wet.
• You’ll see the roving puff up and soften right before your eyes!
• Caution: Keep your hands safe! Let the fiber cool and air-dry completely before you start spinning.

The "Tough Love" Technique: Give it a Good Whack!

Yes, you read that right. Sometimes, a little percussive maintenance is in order. This is the secret to handling compressed and felted fiber that feels particularly stuck.

• Hold your selection of the roving firmly in your hand.
• Lightly whack it against a clean, smooth surface like a countertop a few times.  An alternative to thrashing your roving is to jerk it.
• This isn’t about brute force; it's the quick, light snap that encourages the fibers to release their grip on each other. It’s surprisingly effective!

Spinning Your Masterpiece

"How do I spin compressed or felted Malabrigo Nube?" It's time for the magic. Now that your fiber is fluffed and ready, you shouldn't have many compressed areas left, but there are still some best spinning practices in case.

• Use a Short Forward Draw: Malabrigo Nube loves a spinner who stays close. The short forward draw, where you draft a small amount of fiber forward from your supply hand toward the wheel, gives you excellent control. This method helps you create a consistent, even single and makes those famous Malabrigo colors pop.
• Play with Color! Don’t just spin the colors as they come. Get creative! Try splitting the roving into multiple thin strips. Spin one, then ply it with another section to create a stunning barber pole effect. Or, explore fractal spinning to create long, mesmerizing color repeats.

A Little Encouragement

Working with compressed fiber can be a real test of patience, but please don't give up on your Nube. Every bit of prep is worth it. This is a premium, hand-dyed fiber that is ready to become a yarn that is 100% unique to you. The softness of the finished merino yarn and the depth of the color are unparalleled.

You are the artist, and this is your canvas. Enjoy the process, have fun, and know that you are transforming this humble fluff into something truly extraordinary.

Quick Reference Checklist:

• Pre-Draft: Gently pull to loosen compressed fibers.
• Split: Divide into thinner, manageable strips.
• Steam: Use for a gentle fluff-up of stubborn spots.
• Whack: A light snap against a counter can un-stick matted sections.
• Short Forward Draw: Your go-to for control and consistency.
• Play with Color: Try barber-poling or fractals for amazing effects!

Happy spinning! Remember, a beautiful yarn is just a spin (or a whack) away