Fibre Processing
[ Fibre Processing Prices & Info ] [ Skirting your Fleeces ]
The transformation of raw fibre into finished products requires a number of steps, which vary depending on what type of finished product is desired.
Before the
fibre arrives at our mill, it should be thoroughly skirted to remove vegetable matter
contamination and poor quality fibre. Depending on
the type of fibre, the fleece should also be sorted to separate different grades of fibre. Skirting your fleece is
essential to achieving a high quality final product. For more information, please follow the link at the top of
the page.
1.
Scouring
Our
scouring system removes grease from the fibre, which is necessary for further
processing. The soap we use
is citrus-based and biodegradable. It
is designed to remove the grease; it cannot remove vegetable matter contamination
(that is why skirting of fleeces is so important).
2.
Picking
After
washing and drying, the fibre is picked. This
step opens up the fibre and allows us to apply a conditioner to control static .
3.
Carding
The
carder
is the heart of the mill. It
separates individual fibres from each other, aligns the fibres and
delivers the fibre in a web as either a batt (two feet wide) or sliver/roving
(sausage shape).
4.
Drawing
If
the fibre is to be spun, it must then pass through the draw frame. The linear density (size) of the sliver is reduced
and it is made
more uniform, while the individual fibres of the sliver are straightened and
aligned with each other. This
prepares the sliver for the spinner.
5.
Spinning
The
spinner drafts the sliver to the desired size and applies the twist. We can produce a wide range of
sizes and vary the amount of twist.
6.
Plying
Plying
utilizes the same machine as spinning, but combines individual strands
of yarn (singles). Common plies are
2, 3 and 4-plies; others are
possible.
7.
Skein and Cone Winding
Once
the yarn is finished, it can be wound into skeins of various sizes or placed
onto cones.
An alternative to spinning is felting. Here batts from the carder are transformed into solid sheets of felt (3 x 4’) of varying thickness (fine enough to be used as fabric to thick enough for saddle blankets and cushions).
