Fiber Preparation

This is designed to explain how we would like to receive your prepared fiber for processing. You may also reference the AFCN web site here for further explanation. http://www.afcna.com/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,94/

Before you begin please scroll down and read “final words” to be sure you want to proceed.

Skirting: We recommend that you remove all guard hairs and remove the outer edges of the fiber if need be. This is best accomplished by using a screened table of some sort. The screen allows veggie matter and the like to fall through to the ground. The idea of skirting for processing fiber is that you remove “anything” that you don’t want in the finished product. Any items of debris that would harm our equipment include things such as: rocks, gravel, business cards, popsicle sticks, hard candies, sticks, briar, toys, and such. The rest of the matter like dung tags, (poop), guard hair, long or other hairs not from the animal, and such should be removed as well.

Sorting and grading: This is a process where you separate the fiber into their respective colors and grades. Unless you want you fiber mixed you need to separate the whites into whites, black into black, and so on. As far as grade you will need to separate the prime blanket from the rest of the animal. Legs, neck, and belly usually contain fiber you would not want to put into yarn, but rather felt or the like. This is not always the case, but remember you are paying for the best you can get back so decide what you want to pay for. Not all fiber can be processed and the fiber will be what it will be.

Bagging, weighting, and shipping/Delivery: This may seem like a “no brainer”, but really I find this to be explainable for our purposes. You can use a variety of bags, but the amount of static that is created with certain types of bags is very detrimental when trying to weight and record fiber for processing. Static is a deadly sin in the mill. We go to great lengths to monitor the proper conditions in our mill in an effort to eliminate potential problem during processing outside of the fiber characteristics. Through trial and error we have found what works best for us. The most cost effective and less static producing bags are common clear drum liner bags found at most large home improvement stores.

If you purchase these early in the season then by shearing time you will be prepared. They are capable of writing on with a “Sharpie” which is best to reduce later confusion. Once you have skirted, sorted, and then bagged you fiber you will need to contact us to verify we are ready to receive you fiber to be processed. Our policy is to only process one client at a time, and thus we don not allow any fiber in the mill that is not owned by that client. Further, we do not have store fiber as it is counter productive to our processing.  Don’t forget to weight your fiber! You will need to fill the minimum and the maximum requirements we have at the time. The weight needs to be as close to accurate as you can get it. This helps us with scheduling.

You may choose to ship via UPS, or you may deliver it to us personally. We encourage you to visit the mill so you how no doubts as to the processing quality you will receive from us, as well as, time to ask any and all questions you may have.

Final words: All fiber is process by us in the same manner no matter what! Through trial and error we have learned that no matter how clean a fiber looks it isn’t! Very crimpy white fiber holds more dirt than would appear at first glance. We take our time in processing your fiber so that you get the best quality we can produce for you.

We reserve the right to refuse any fiber that is not suitable for processing! Fiber that is not skirting properly, contains insects or matter that would damage our equipment, and any fiber that smells or is otherwise moldy will be refused and sent back to the owner at their expense. Please take your time in preparing your fiber as it is in your best interest to pay for the best you can. Don’t pay for processing dirt, dust, or skirting when you can take your time and prepare you fiber properly. We charge on incoming weight as the process begins the minute we receive your fiber. We believe, “You get what you pay for!”