The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Tishtosh on August 28, 2019, 07:01:29 am

Title: Turning fleece into wool
Post by: Tishtosh on August 28, 2019, 07:01:29 am
We would love to turn our Dorset ewes fleece into wool, my daughter has looked into it and found one place that would do the whole job washing, carding, spinning etc but it was quite pricey. Has anyone sent their fleeces away?
Title: Re: Turning fleece into wool
Post by: Rosemary on August 28, 2019, 07:19:08 am
We send ours to The Natural Fibre Company. Yes, it is expensive and marketing the resultant yarn takes a fair bit of time and effort for a fairly modest profit.
Title: Re: Turning fleece into wool
Post by: SallyintNorth on August 28, 2019, 08:06:59 am
Neither you nor your daughter fancy having a go yourselves?  :spin:

There are people on Facebook might be prepared to do one fleece for you - I’ve seen it offered when others have asked. 

Are they Dorset Horn or Dorset Down? 
Title: Re: Turning fleece into wool
Post by: Buttermilk on August 28, 2019, 08:10:01 am
I have sent fleeces to Halifax Spinning Mill who are now based near Bridlington.  Mine have been washed and carded but I have spun them.  It was not cheap.  Paul will also spin the fleeces for you.
Title: Re: Turning fleece into wool
Post by: Lamby5 on August 28, 2019, 03:50:38 pm
I haven't sent mine away but I've washed, carded and spun it myself. It takes a while but it's worth it in the end.  Just for one personal project though.
Title: Re: Turning fleece into wool
Post by: Mel on August 28, 2019, 06:53:31 pm
We would love to turn our Dorset ewes fleece into wool, my daughter has looked into it and found one place that would do the whole job washing, carding, spinning etc but it was quite pricey. Has anyone sent their fleeces away?
How pricey?
Title: Re: Turning fleece into wool
Post by: Dogwalker on August 29, 2019, 06:14:50 am
I'vr had shetland fleeces spun at Curlew Weavers near Llandysul, West Wales.I think he's just put his price up a bit to £41.80 per kg finished yarn, 25kg minimum starting batch.