Commonly used:
* Sheep: The most common source of wool.
* Alpaca: Known for its soft, luxurious fiber.
* Llama: Similar to alpaca but slightly coarser.
* Goat: Provides mohair (a silky, strong fiber) and cashmere (soft and luxurious).
* Rabbit: Produces angora (very soft and fluffy) and other types of rabbit fur.
Less common but still spun:
* Camel: Strong and warm fiber.
* Yak: Similar to camel but coarser.
* Dog: Some breeds have fur suitable for spinning, but it's less common.
* Cat: Some breeds produce fur suitable for spinning, but it's very rare.
* Water Buffalo: Provides a strong, durable fiber.
* Musk Ox: Known for its warm, insulating fiber.
* Guanaco: Related to the llama and alpaca, produces a soft and warm fiber.
* Vicuna: One of the rarest and most luxurious fibers in the world.
Historical uses:
* Horsehair: Historically used for spinning, but now more commonly used for other purposes.
* Human Hair: Historically used for spinning, especially in certain cultures.
It's important to note that:
* Ethics and Sustainability: Always consider ethical sourcing when choosing animal fibers. Look for fibers from animals raised in humane conditions.
* Fiber Quality: The quality of the fur will vary depending on the breed of animal, its age, and how it was raised.
* Processing: Animal fur needs to be processed before it can be spun. This involves cleaning, carding, and sometimes combing.
If you're interested in learning more about spinning different animal fibers, it's a great idea to reach out to local fiber arts communities or search online for resources.