What is roving in the context of fiber arts?

Roving in the context of fiber arts refers to long pieces of wool that have been prepared and aligned in the same direction, making it suitable for spinning into yarn. This process of preparing wool involves carding, where fibers are separated and processed to achieve a smooth, continuous strand. By aligning the fibers in one direction, roving maximizes the efficiency of spinning, allowing for a more consistent and uniform yarn.

Long pieces of wool, or roving, can be spun into yarn using various methods, such as a spinning wheel or a drop spindle, making it a fundamental step in the creation of handspun textiles. This differs significantly from the other choices, which pertain to different aspects of fiber arts: finished garments, woven patterns, and knitting techniques are distinct processes that do not relate to the preparation of raw wool into a form usable for spinning.