Step-by-Step Fiber Processing | |
| Every fleece we process receives special care and individual attention. We use the finest cottage industry machines available for fine and course fibers. The following describes the fiber processing steps. For additional information, please see pricing and ordering. |
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1. Receiving Your Fiber  In coming fleeces are weighed, tagged and evaluated for processing requirements. Your name and processing instructions are written on each bag of fiber. This bag stays with your fleece for the entire process ensuring you will always get your own fibers returned to you.2. Washing and Drying Your Fiber Fibers must be washed before processing and must be squeaky clean before processing. You can prewash your fibers or have us do it for you. If you choose to wash your own fiber, you can save $1.00 per pound on the processing charge. However, the fiber must be extremely clean. We reserve the right to re-wash fibers that are not clean enough to process, and you will be notified prior to your fiber being rewashed. |
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3. The Picking Process 
Fibers need to be separated before run they are through the carding machines. Picking opens and separates the fiber. Delicate fleeces are hand-picked to maintain fiber integrity.4. Carding We offer roving, batts and webs. Roving is on center pull bumps in either one pound or five pound sizes. We recommend webs for exotic fibers, such as cashmere. All other fibers, depending on the length of fiber, can go into roving.For those unfamiliar with these terms, a roving is a continuous length of fiber approximately an inch in diameter that is wound on a center core into what is called a bump. The fiber can then be spun directly from the bump. A batt is approximately 20 inches in width and 40 inches in length and is 1-3 inches in thickness. A web is a single layer of fiber. |
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