One persons trash is another persons treasure, and for Pat Martinek, its become a second career.
She makes beautiful garments and pieces of artwork out of discarded dog hair.
While there, she learned traditional weaving and spinning techniques using raw fibers.
Pat Martinek spins dog hair into yarn, which she will then use to weave a blanket. Christie Post/The Penny Hoarder
Martinek loved the process, and ended up taking classes in college.
While she spent her working career as a geologist, spinning was a constant passion and hobby.
7 Ways to Make Money if You Hate People
Do you avoid people too?
Enough small talk.Here are some waysto earn extra cash, without all of the social stuff.
But spinning and knitting can be expensive, and traditional fibers are costly.
A spinning wheel can costup to $800.
So Martinek looked for alternative fibers she could get at a low cost or for free.
She kept her own angora rabbits, but then friends introduced her to spinning dog hair.
Dog hair sometimes calledchiengora can make beautiful yarn, said Martinek.
Did you know?
She created an online business calledThe Fyber Cafe, where she makes money by creating special mementos.
For those who prefer to knit their own items, Martinek offers spinning services.
She loves attending weaving and spinning conferences, trade shows and classes.
Chiengora Is a Growing Trend
Martinek is not alone in capitalizing on this trend.
These enthusiasts are working hard to end the assumptions about dog hair.
People expect the yarn to smell, said Martinek.
Chiengoras properties make it desirable to outdoorsy folks.
Its reportedly up to80% warmer than wool, eliminating the need for multiple heavy layers.
The demand for luxurious dog hair is steadily increasing.
Owners of double-coated breeds in particular are selling pounds of dog fur on sites like Craigslist and Etsy.
Its wonderful to see it getting more accepted, said Martinek.
Instead of throwing it away, people can instead collect dog hair and get something beautiful.
Kat Tretina is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
Balance Transfer = Credit Card Cheat Code
