Wool processing mini mill

delilah

Member
We are at the early stages of setting up a mini mill to process raw fleece from our flock (and, in time, others) into felt and yarn.
Having secured some Leader funding, we are about to make decisions on pieces of kit - drum carder, felter - and workspace layout, fleece washing system etc etc.
Would be pleased to hear from anyone out there who has already walked this path, or is at similarly early stages and would like to hold hands with us as we progress.
Thanks in anticipation.
Delilah
 
sounds brilliant - where are you and would you consider taking on other peoples fleece. There was one down Cornwall - unsure if still used?

I have easycare sheep so I have no idea. But be good if you can upload photos etc as you go along. Sadly I am not a knitter ever though my mother was fantastic. I am a sewer.
 

Old Tip

Member
Location
Cumbria
Hi
There is a lady up near Penrith has a carding machine which came out of an old Lancashire spinning mill, I will see if I can find a contact number or email for her.
We get our wool processed either at The Natural Fibre Company or The Halifax Spinning Mill, not sure if they do the whole process themselves or not.

If you want any more info give us a shout
 

Tonka

Member
Location
N Yorkshire
Kate Humble this week...small weaving mill somewhere in south Wales. Last nd only worker was 80+ years old. No one to take business on. A skill which mustn't be lost. Superb fabrics being produced....
 

PostHarvest

Member
Location
Warwick
Disposing of waste water from scouring (washing) the fleeces might be a problem. I dealt with a wool scouring operation in Russia a few years ago. The water, soap and grease from 3 million fleeces each year just went into the river, can't see that being acceptable in the garden of England
 

delilah

Member
First job at The Woolshed has been to install a PV system. Time will tell if we can match annual output with consumption, but that is the aspiration. (Yes, the laurel shading the panels is going to come down!)

woolshed 2.jpg
woolshed 1.jpg
 

delilah

Member
Bit random.......we are going to Sudbury, Suffolk on Friday to pick up a water heater for the scouring process. Anyone know of an open farm/ farming attraction of any interest in the vicinity, ideally one that serves a decent lunch ?
 

delilah

Member
My wife, a Weaver with BA Hons, has suggested contacting https://www.wsd.org.uk/ to link up with other similar concerns. She's been looking at drum carders as she's been given some Zwartbles fleece, but early days for her as she's usually busy with the end product, woolen fabric for soft furnishings.
SS

We are going up to Classic Carders on Friday to look at getting an electric carder built to our spec.
 

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