Saturday, December 15, 2012

Day One

Today was the first day the entire mill was set up and running.  It's a huge learning curve and I think it will take a while to really get the hang of everything.  Adam already has a head start on me because he spent some time at Belfast's mill.

The back bay.  This is the carder (left), drafter (right) and the spinner and plyer in the back.  The vacuum hose runs from the carder to a box that collects any loose fiber for the felting table.


The front bay.  This is the fiber separator (left), the steamer (front right), the felting table (back right) as well as the cone and skein winders (not seen)


The washing system, worktable and sink

Picker and drying racks

This is what fiber looks like out of the picker room.  It's opened up and very fluffy and loose.  This is some Shetland that was dyed about two weeks ago.

Then it gets fed into the carder.

Then through the drafter

And then it gets spun, plied and steamed before being wound into skeins.  Our very first skein is tiny, about 54 yards, and is currently hanging up to dry after having the processing oils rinsed out.  

So all in all, not a bad first day. We have a few things to tweak, but it was awesome to get in and start working on the machines.
Posted by at

5 comments:

  1. AllysonDecember 15, 2012 at 5:11 PM

    Very Cool! Can't wait to see it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Magic MammothDecember 16, 2012 at 3:06 AM

    Congratulations on getting it all set up.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AlyssaDecember 17, 2012 at 4:38 AM

    How long does it take for the fiber to go from loose fiber to skein? When can I expect my free skein? (Just kidding :P)

    ReplyDelete
  4. JudyJanuary 26, 2013 at 8:52 AM

    I just heard about your mill and was wondering when you would be accepting fiber, cost of processing etc.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Skirted Fleece FarmJanuary 26, 2013 at 6:49 PM

    We want to get some training under our belt before we open for business, but I hope very much to be opening before March. We want to be ready for our local farmers when they start spring shearing. I'll post when the Mill's website is up and running and that will have our price list. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)