Fiber Mill Information and FAQ
  1. What fibers do we process?
  2. Are there limits to what we can process ?
  3. What is needed to prepare fiber ?
  4. What if I already washed my fleeces ?
  5. Where did all the weight go ?
  6. When can I send you my fiber ?
  7. What is the turn around time ?
What fibers do we process ?

We currently process Alpaca, Llama, Mohair, Pygora and most wools. 

Some Suri Alpaca may require blending with Huacaya or wool to be processed.

Other fibers may be done. Please inquire to discuss other fibers or custom blends.

Set up fees may apply.

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Are there limits to what we can process ?

Our machines require that the staple (Fiber) length be greater then 2 inches and less then 7 inches.

We also have a minimum run size and charge of 3 lbs.  There is some loss in each machine. We recommend combining  small fleeces for larger runs.

We reserve the right to return fiber that it is not well skirted or will not run in our machines. It will be shipped back at customers expense.

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What is needed to prepare fiber ?

Fleeces must be well skirted. We check for items that can damage our machines, staple length greater then 7 inches and excessive vegetation.

Short fibers (< 2 in.), dirt, sand, poop, hay and other vegetation reduce the quality and yield of your finished product. They also increase your shipping and washing cost.

We do not skirt fleeces so remember this saying. "Garbage In Garbage out". Our machines take out a lot but not all. Clean pastures and well skirted fleeces yield the highest quality product.

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What if I have already washed my fleeces ?

We wash or rewash all fleeces that come to our mill. This ensures that fleeces are clean to the specs that are required for our machines. This keeps the quality and production up. Fiber that is not clean can gum up the machines. This can reduce the quality of the output as well as shut us down to clean the machines.
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Where did all the weight go?

There is a varying amount of lost weight through the process. It starts with the FIBER and the washing. Wools have more grease (Lanolin) then other fibers so wools typically have the greatest loss. So there is some weight that goes down the drain with the wash water. Also the amount of dirt, sand, vegetation, and short fibers will effect the final weight. With each machine some of this sand, dirt and vegetation that fall out as well. At each machine some fiber is lost to start up and residuals.

This is why we have a 3 pound minimum run size. This keeps your losses to a minimum.

If you choose to run your fiber through or Fiber Separator your weight loss will vary. The higher the quality the greater the loss. But the final product will be of a higher value. So its up to you to balance the yield vs quality.  You can have the discard run as a separate run if quantity meets minimum run size.

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When can I send you my fiber ?

We have limited storage capacity at this time. So we have a waiting list and will contact you as we have room for your fiber. This also limits the time that we have your fiber. Please contact us to be placed on our waiting list. Be prepared with fiber type, approx. weight and color / colors.

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What is the turn around time ?

We are striving to have all jobs done within 60 - 90 days of receiving your fiber. Larger jobs may require more time. 

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