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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Help, know any good wool processor???  |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 13 2008 : 10:53:30 AM
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Do you send your wool to a processor? Do you recommend a wool processor? I am going to have some of my wool processed and spun into yarn. I can't card, spin, and keep up with the looms and knitting projects at this time.
Thanks for your help.
Still warm in Missouri
Sarita
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care. |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Oct 13 2008 : 11:37:55 AM
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I have tried a few. Thirteen Mile Lamb and Wool Company in Belgrade, MT is good but there are probably some around you that are great as well. I have used Quail Run Fiber Mill in Spokane, WA. They are good, kind of pricey but make beautiful products. Silver Falls Spinnery in Silverton, OR is good but they are going out of business. Dawn's Custom Carding in Roy, WA is good and she works with another gal Blue Mountain Spinning?? Can't remember the name but they do nice yarn.
That's the only way I can keep up with orders is to send off wool to be processed. I just don't personally have the time to spin up enough to sell.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Oct 13 2008 : 12:23:44 PM
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Thanks Jami, I have to ship to the closer ones to me anyway so as long as I am paying shipping I will ship anywhere in the states. The closer processors have been so booked that it is a 3-6 month turn around time.. I will try to find their web sites and talk with these processors.
Sarita
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care. |
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sherone_13
True Blue Farmgirl
2460 Posts
Sherone
Evanston
WY
USA
2460 Posts |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
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Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Oct 13 2008 : 7:13:27 PM
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I will chime in on this one - Monica the list you found is about four to five years old - half of the mills are closed or have such bad raps that you would be better off sending the fiber to the trash.
Bonne the list from alpacabreeders is also outdated and not the least bit complete. I worked with that organization for nine years and they have not updated information.
I will gladly if you wish give you some information of site - mills are not happy to have the dirty laundry aired - I have personally worked for several breeders groups in getting fiber done at different mills and there is a correct way to go about it to make sure that your fiber is done correctly, timely and also that you will get back what you sent. I do not know how much you have to be processed which will also depend on where to send you. Good luck.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Oct 14 2008 : 07:40:22 AM
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Grace, I would appreciate getting you honest opinion about processors. One time I sent off 5 clean fleeces to one processor and I wash my fleeces and it is very clean when I am done. Not greasy at all, rinse water is clear. Well, the processor sent back my yarn and said one of my fleeces broke when she went to carding it. (I handle my fleeces and check for weakness many different times and areas of the fleece, I will not waste the money sending a poor fleece to the processor.) I didn't question it at all and later I decided that I would see how that fleece would work if I felted it. When I went to putting water and soap on it while felting, the water was dirty and you would not believe how dirty this fleece was, I knew it was not mine. Then that made me wonder if the yarn I got back was from my prize fleeces from my own pets or whatever that processor chose to pick up and process...won't be sending anymore back to that processor!!!
Grace, I know you know how I felt. I really want a processor that is honest, reasonably priced and has a good turn around time. I spend lots of money and work on my sheep and I want to enjoy the end results for my labors.
I have 5 fleeces ready to go now...40-50 lbs.
Sarita
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care. |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Oct 14 2008 : 11:48:52 AM
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I know your pain and story - what is really horrible is this is not the first time I have had this same tale told to me. What I tell folks first before ever sending fleece off - get your ducks in a row. Make sure that the fleeces are in top skirting requirememts, make sure that the fleece will not break - and I mean really pull the crap out of it, next make sure that you have the weights certified by the post office so there is no room to argue, then talk fully with the mill (I require contracts even if they do not)you need to make sure that all bases are covered - use their language so they know you know what is what, next also spell out the consequences financially if the fiber if not done to your agreed specifications, also have them supply a variety of clients that they have done recently so you can talk with them and hear what they think, also read your trade journals to keep up to date of who is out there and when you go to shows make sure that you are gathering information all the time. This is a 24/7 job. Alot of the mills will be at big shows and will have discounts, samples of their work and also their customers will be there and you can hear directly from them. Last but not least you really have to plan ahead - now the mills are up to their eyeballs trying to get fleeces done for the holidays - you might have to wait till the new year. If you wish names please email off list - I will not give free advertising to companies because I do not get paid to support folks. You might also consider going in with other breeders if you can because that will cut your cost of production and also give yourself a new marketing tool - sometimes mills if they have a working group of breeders will also purchase fleece - mills are getting into selling yarns and felted batts as a side line - that way you will work your contract to carry your farm name in the advertisments of the mill and the mill seems to really work the product much better because they have their name on it too. It also helps in the process of selling your sheep because you have a mill who thinks highly of your fleece.
There is much more I could on about but I will also let you know that normally I get $25.00 per hour for my counseling but I am willing to get you started.
Good luck and remember lists are always off list.
Also, 50 punds can be easily done on a Patrick Greene Carder - I do it all the time - also it might be a great idea that if you go in with someone you can share the work too. Hope that helps.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Oct 14 2008 : 12:35:10 PM
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Sarita, If I was closer I would come help you card fleece!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.jusrducky48.etsy.com |
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Oct 14 2008 : 5:21:39 PM
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Jami I guess that did not make sense - too long on mountain lion watch - killing gray cells.
What I meant was if you would contact me off the maryjane general chat forum site I would gladly share names - doing it on this type of a forumm is giving free ad space to mills. Hope that made sense. I am going to catch a few winks before I have to be outside all night but I will check in for bathroom breaks - sure hope they catch this mountain lion soon.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Oct 15 2008 : 07:46:43 AM
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Grace, hope the mountain lion is caught by now. Our vets wife saw one lying in her yard the other day, went out and took a picture, went back in to call her husband and when she looked out again, it was gone....I will shoot the gun first, then the picture...I know for animal lovers that sounds mean but when you go out and a wild creature has killed an animal that you have invested lots of money and time and you love...that wild animal becomes a mean and awful creature in your mind. Until you hear one of your pets being taken down and eaten alive and the helpless screams of your pet...you just don't realize the hate you can feel and the anger toward the naturalist and conservationlist. My theory: Ilove animals but...I keep my animals in pens and behind fences...or I will suffer legal reprecussions if they damage someone elses property, so conservationalist keep your wild animals in a fenced in area too. Everytime I hit a deer and tear up a car or truck or hear that someone died due to hitting a deer...I get angry again.
I will stop ranting now and talk wool processing again when I cool off.
Sarita
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care. |
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Oct 15 2008 : 07:52:47 AM
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Sarita, I know on a diverse list such as this you have to mind your P's and Q's, but girl, I am here to tell you that you don't have to apologize for taking care of your critters to me! You know the old saying about walk quietly and carry a big stick? It should fire bullets out of one end!
Thanks for clarifying Grace on what you meant. I have to admit at first I was taken aback that you didn't think we should post here names of mills that we liked...but after I thought about it a while, you're right. Most of the mills I have used have had some drawback--too pricey, confusing invoices, etc. Quality hasn't been an issue for me so far but turnaround time can be. So it's probably best to let folks figure it out on their own or as you said off-list one-on-one. Point well taken. Hope you get your cat tonight.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Oct 15 2008 : 11:26:51 AM
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Wished I could say the cat is gone but last night the DOW was out and about - last night the shouting was nerve racking.I will not shoot around the animals -killed a porcupine with a pitch fork when it went after my hens , used a pick axe to kill a badger attacking my lambs, used the truck to run down a coyote but I just can not pull the trigger around my animals. Cat's move so quickly - Oh forgot to mention I used a hockey stick to club a stray dog that was going after one of my llama babies - my great pry finished him off. I guess I use anything I can get my hands on...
Jami please contact if you wish and we can surely find someone to help...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Oct 15 2008 : 12:27:45 PM
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Hi Grace, I'm cool on what processors I like...it was Sarita who was looking but thanks anyhow.
I don't shoot at night either...it just scares the heck out of me to think of the "what if's" of that scenario. I haven't used a pitchfork to kill more than a mouse...sounds like I've been not utilizing this weapon enough!
Hang in there.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Oct 15 2008 : 2:50:05 PM
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Sorry Jami - Not enough sleep - sorry....
Pitch forks are great - I have my son sharpen those tips so you can even throw them like a multi spear - Back to our cavewomen roots. The only down side is trying to get the animal off the tines.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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Jana
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Jana
Eau Claire
Wisconsin
USA
482 Posts |
Posted - Oct 16 2008 : 02:03:14 AM
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Sarita,
I haven't been on the mjf boards for ages, but saw your post and thought I'd reply. My mom always had her wool batts cleaned and carded at Courtney Woolen Mill in Appleton, Wisconsin. They are excellent and are a family owned business. Even if you don't use them I think their website is interesting. Good luck!
www.courtneywoolenmill.com
Jana |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Help, know any good wool processor??? |
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Help, know any good wool processor???
