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Food & crafts => Crafts => Topic started by: Fleecewife on February 01, 2015, 09:03:55 pm

Title: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Fleecewife on February 01, 2015, 09:03:55 pm
It's a number of years since I had any sheep fleece carded or spun at a commercial mill.  When ever people ask me to recommend somewhere I usually say the Natural Fibre Co or Halifax Mill.  I need to get a load carded, but was wondering if anyone could recommend any other mills, or has any comments about the two I've mentioned. (pm if you don't want to speak in public)
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Anke on February 02, 2015, 08:59:51 am
Have you spoken to the Border Mill over in Duns? You may even  be able to drive over there... they set up originally for Alpacas, but I know they do wool nowadays too, as well as Angoras.

I was going to try them, but not quite enough fleece/funds to justify. Will have some more coloured this year, so may reconsider.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Bionic on February 02, 2015, 09:08:22 am
Oh, it would be lovely to have someone else do the carding for me. I don't have enough fleece to justify it though. Still, it will be interesting to know how you get on fleecewife.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Buttermilk on February 02, 2015, 09:24:56 am
I cannot recommend anywhere else as I use Halifax Mill.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Fleecewife on February 02, 2015, 11:36:07 am
Have you spoken to the Border Mill over in Duns? You may even  be able to drive over there... they set up originally for Alpacas, but I know they do wool nowadays too, as well as Angoras.

I was going to try them, but not quite enough fleece/funds to justify. Will have some more coloured this year, so may reconsider.

Hi Anke.  I hadn't tried the Border Mill as I thought it was just alpaca.  Trying to find costs on their website seemed to send me round in circles, but I did eventually find a general guide, although not for just carding.  My main concern would be that equipment intended for use with alpaca fibre probably wouldn't do a good job with Hebridean fleece, which is what one batch will be. I've been stung that way before. I do though have some alpaca fleeces which I'm never going to get around to spinning (all that fluff goes straight up my nose and I start wheezing), so I might get them spun up with Shetland, for my own knitting, not for sale.
Thanks for the suggestion.

Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Fleecewife on February 02, 2015, 11:58:39 am
Oh, it would be lovely to have someone else do the carding for me. I don't have enough fleece to justify it though. Still, it will be interesting to know how you get on fleecewife.

There are lots of mini mills Sally which will card or spin as little as one fleece, or 1.5kgs.  The min at the NFCo for just carding is 10kgs, and I can certainly send that much for each of two breeds.  The cost there for carding on its own is £14-17/kg, which is pretty much exactly what it cost to have the yarn spun last time I had some done there.  The spinning cost is now £35-45/kg ish - beyond what I want to spend, and anyway I still have a fair number of balls of yarn I still need to sell.


Buttermilk - I had a couple of large batches of Heb blended with alpaca spun up at Halifax.  I was virtually passing their door (well not quite but close enough) so I dropped off the sacks of raw fleece there in person.  The guys were so kind and friendly, gave me a tour and a cup of tea.  I really enjoyed the visit.  I may well get these fleeces carded there, depending on their backlog, although I won't be passing the door again so postage costs come into it too.

I'm just wondering what alternatives there are. There are several mini mills, and alpaca only mills, but I need somewhere a bit bigger.
I live just a few miles from New Lanark, but the last I heard was that you have to scour your own fleece first, as they have no licence to do that there. Otherwise New Lanark would be my first choice.

I had a bad experience with carding only a few years ago, (not from any company mentioned here), which was an expensive mistake and wasted 5 beautiful Shetland fleeces.  I fancy a change from doing all that carding at home before I can sit down to spin.  I'll still comb special fleeces, but for a while I will be able to do some production spinning.

I'll try to remember to report back  :spin:
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 02, 2015, 09:35:10 pm
I'd love to have some fleeces carded so I just have to spin them but I just can't afford it. Next time our younger daughter comes to stay, I shall try to persuade her son to card some. He did a great job last year. I wonder what sort of financial incentive would be needed.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Fleecewife on February 03, 2015, 12:43:01 am
Knit him a hat?  Teach him how to spin so he can make his own hat?  What age is he?  My grandchildren, most of them anyway, are keen to learn to spin, but they seem to be a bit young still.  I'd like to try this summer though.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Bionic on February 03, 2015, 07:55:18 am
From what I have seen at the various shows we do in the summer the boys seem to pick up spinning better than the girls.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Dogwalker on February 03, 2015, 10:43:28 am
I did a session at the local church children's activity day and the boys were as good if not better than the girls.  And having something that involved mechanical gadgets keeps them interested longer than the usual colouring/ craft activities.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Fleecewife on February 03, 2015, 11:19:50 am
Yes, boys, and their Dads, are attracted by how a wheel works and seem far more ready to have a go than many girls. I used to sit and spin next to our sheep pens at the Royal Highland Show, and always had quite a crowd watching, but it was mostly the children who wanted to have a go - well, the Dads wanted to but always hung back.  There was the occasional woman who would have a go, but they were usually people who had always wanted to spin.

 I'm struck though with how quickly all children tend to pick up spinning, and spinning quite well too.  Maybe I should just try the grandkids and see if they surprise me.  Maybe their attention spans aren't as short as I fear  :spin:
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Dogwalker on February 03, 2015, 03:58:38 pm
How old are they?

I took my daughter to a spinning day when she was about 7 or 8 and she loved it and did very well.
It was a holiday treat for me while my parents kept the two boys out of mischief for the day.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Fleecewife on February 03, 2015, 04:51:39 pm
Nine, eight, six and six.  One of the sixes is the only girl, and she is desperate to try.  The two older boys are slightly keen to, for as long as the thought stays in their heads, but the youngest six is heavily into fishing, fly tying and so on so I don't think he could keep his mind on Granny's spinning.   
I have an older grandson too, who's into his twenties, but he's so concerned about what's cool that he won't try.  He won't even ride a horse because it's 'girlie'  ???
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 04, 2015, 12:52:11 am
He is 12. I taught him to knit and he did a bit but then lost interest. His dad says he's not to do it because it's for girls but his mum (our daughter) lets him. Last year I taught him to spin but most ot the time the tuition went "Tanaka, slow down. It's not a race. Let's count with you again. One, two, one, two." Repeated every two minutes. He did end up with some dreadlocks which he proudly took home. The fleece he carded for me, I spun up and made him a hat with it. His mum hasn't seen him wear it but he does take it out and hold it sometimes. He tends to prefer to have his hood up rather than wear a hat.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: FiB on February 04, 2015, 09:22:33 pm
I have my own mini mill :-).  I can hire him out (although strictly speaking that would be child labour ;-) ).  We are both mildly addicted!  It was my first desire on getting sheep... To start a mini mill, but talking seriously to some people about it, I realised I just couldn't make a business case for the capital (£50k ish ). But I'd still love to do it. I love making rovings.....
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Anke on February 04, 2015, 10:02:59 pm
... and in PJ's too... doing the nightshift? Are you paying double for unsocial hours?

My older girl (13 going on 31) won't have anything to do with the holding in general, but she knits, stitches and does some sewing and would probably like to learn to spin at some point. Younger one (11) more interested in the animals (she has her own goat to kid in 4 weeks time) and hitching rides on the trailer/tractor... but she does some stitching stuff too.

Actually I have deliberately not offered to teach them to spin, as I only have the one wheel and it's very precious to me... (even though it's an "it" and hasn't got a name)
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 05, 2015, 01:01:45 am
I have my own mini mill :-).  I can hire him out (although strictly speaking that would be child labour ;-) ).  We are both mildly addicted!  It was my first desire on getting sheep... To start a mini mill, but talking seriously to some people about it, I realised I just couldn't make a business case for the capital (£50k ish ). But I'd still love to do it. I love making rovings.....


You can make some for me any time you like. I won't even charge you for the privilege.  :innocent:
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: BALLOCH on February 13, 2015, 09:31:32 pm
I think once wools been to a mill it all ends up the same texture and pummeled to death and too much like shop wool.When done your self it is more natural,i know it takes time but so does all craft.I managed to get a second hand electric carder a louet,is much quicker but noisier and you still cant put the wool in too thick or it stops the belt.Always going to keep the drum one as back up tho.Mills charge a fortune too !not so bad if you can deliver and collect.Let us know how you get on.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 13, 2015, 10:28:36 pm
I've just had a look at electric carders, including a kit to change a manual carder to electric. Having see the prices, I've decided that turning the handle of my drum carder is good exercise.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Fleecewife on February 13, 2015, 11:09:16 pm
I think once wools been to a mill it all ends up the same texture and pummeled to death and too much like shop wool.When done your self it is more natural,i know it takes time but so does all craft.I managed to get a second hand electric carder a louet,is much quicker but noisier and you still cant put the wool in too thick or it stops the belt.Always going to keep the drum one as back up tho.Mills charge a fortune too !not so bad if you can deliver and collect.Let us know how you get on.

True. This is for rug weaving so mill carded is fine. 
I wouldn't let my lovely old-lady Heb fleece near a mill  :sheep: :sheep: :sheep:
I still have to sort the fleeces which will take me a while.......
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: SallyintNorth on February 14, 2015, 09:18:21 am
Yesterday I bought some Shetland rovings produced by the Natural Fibre Company.  The sheep are local sheep, belonging to a friend of mine.  The rovings are absolutely delicious and I absolutely would not describe them as
Quote
all the same texture and pummeled to death and too much like shop wool
.  (Wouldn't have bought any if they were - friend or not!   :D ;) )
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Bramblecot on February 18, 2015, 12:19:00 pm
Yesterday I bought some Shetland rovings produced by the Natural Fibre Company.  The sheep are local sheep, belonging to a friend of mine.  The rovings are absolutely delicious and I absolutely would not describe them as
Quote
all the same texture and pummeled to death and too much like shop wool
.  (Wouldn't have bought any if they were - friend or not!   :D ;) )
Yesterday I spent the day driving my total stock of Shetland fleece to NFC for processing- I just hope I have done the right thing as it is a huge investment for me :-\ .  The staff were very helpful and spent 2 hours showing us around the mill.  Our fleece will be turned into undyed Laceweight 2 and 4 ply, 4 ply and DK woollen, and weaving yarn - big decision! ::)
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Anke on February 18, 2015, 03:59:56 pm
Yesterday I bought some Shetland rovings produced by the Natural Fibre Company.  The sheep are local sheep, belonging to a friend of mine.  The rovings are absolutely delicious and I absolutely would not describe them as
Quote
all the same texture and pummeled to death and too much like shop wool
.  (Wouldn't have bought any if they were - friend or not!   :D ;) )
Yesterday I spent the day driving my total stock of Shetland fleece to NFC for processing- I just hope I have done the right thing as it is a huge investment for me :-\ .  The staff were very helpful and spent 2 hours showing us around the mill.  Our fleece will be turned into undyed Laceweight 2 and 4 ply, 4 ply and DK woollen, and weaving yarn - big decision! ::)

Keep us informed, I am very keen to get some of my Shetland fleece done, but struggle to justify the initial outlay...
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Bramblecot on February 18, 2015, 06:20:21 pm
OH is in deep shock :o :o :o and that was only the 1st payment.  I just hope that I can sell the end products as I don't even knit! :-\
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Lesley Silvester on February 18, 2015, 10:35:21 pm
Perhaps you need to learn  :knit: . And quickly!  :roflanim:
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Bramblecot on February 19, 2015, 08:41:10 pm
Perhaps you need to learn  :knit: . And quickly!  :roflanim:
Have tried spinning, I'm useless ??? .  Can't knit either- even my mother gave up trying to teach me, she said I was cack-handed :-[ .   I'll look after the sheep  :hugsheep: and let others do the pretty bit.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Dogwalker on February 19, 2015, 10:14:06 pm
have you tried felting

or weaving with fleece.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Bramblecot on February 20, 2015, 08:50:01 am
Have some books on weaving and recently bought a small peg loom - it sits in the corner defying me to have a go :P .

Back to original post (sorry FW for hijacking). 
I always intended to use Halifax as I spoke to them a couple of years ago.  But when I tried to contact by phone 2 weeks ago to check postage costs, both numbers were unobtainable/out of service ??? .

The current staff at NFC were really helpful so I went there instead, and took it myself.  The minimum quantity is quite large if you only want to use your own fleece (as I did) but they can make up from their large 'bank' of fleece.  If you want to talk prices, please pm me.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Fleecewife on February 20, 2015, 12:57:53 pm
<<< I always intended to use Halifax as I spoke to them a couple of years ago.  But when I tried to contact by phone 2 weeks ago to check postage costs, both numbers were unobtainable/out of service ??? >>>

Mmn - the latest info on the website is at the beginning of 2013.  Has anyone had contact since then?  Someone from the mill is a TAS member so perhaps we can get an update as to whether they are still in business.

I'm hopeless with websites and can never find the bit with prices on  ::)
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: MurmuringWheel on February 20, 2015, 10:58:23 pm
They are definitely still in business. I've been in touch with Paul today about an event I organise and he was replying to my emails.

Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Fleecewife on February 21, 2015, 11:39:53 am
They are definitely still in business. I've been in touch with Paul today about an event I organise and he was replying to my emails.


Thank you MW   :spin:  That's great news.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Fleecewife on June 22, 2015, 11:43:50 am
So now we're in June, and I still haven't sent off my fibre to turn it into tops or roving.  In fact I'm chucking out a lot and ..... sssshhhhh.....burning it  :o :o :o  Not something I would normally do, but I was totally swamped.  Some of the bags went back to 2007, and the moths had definitely got to those, so they would have been burnt anyway.  The more recent stuff had stored ok, but wasn't very appealing.

For mill carding/combing, I will use only fleeces from last year and this - and we still have to get through most of the shearing.   I'm more organised now as I have my wool shed to do the sorting in, with a nice big table.

However, looking on the Natural Fibre Co website, I can't find any guides to prices.  They do say that prices are calculated according to the specific job, but unless I have some idea I can't just send it off and hope it doesn't break the bank.  It used to be that there was a set price scale.

So, has anyone had work done there recently?

I have explored the mills mentioned earlier, but they seem to be more specialised, and more expensive.  So I'm not much further forward than I was when I started this post in Feb  ::)
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Lesley Silvester on June 22, 2015, 11:58:42 am
Garden Organic are looking into the possibility of using fleece to deter slugs. Not sure how as they are still at the research stage but it might be worth thinking about.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Bionic on June 22, 2015, 12:00:38 pm
Fleecewife, if you look under 'advice' they have 2 price lists. One with VAT included and one without. 
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Fleecewife on June 22, 2015, 04:41:17 pm
Fleecewife, if you look under 'advice' they have 2 price lists. One with VAT included and one without.


I blame the creeping senility  :tired:.  Thank you Sally - I'm so useless with websites.

So if I read it correctly, scour and card only, min 10kg, is £13.80 /kg, + VAT.  That seems perfectly reasonable.  So next step will be sorting out a couple of breeds of fleece and sending them off.
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Fleecewife on June 22, 2015, 04:46:35 pm
Garden Organic are looking into the possibility of using fleece to deter slugs. Not sure how as they are still at the research stage but it might be worth thinking about.

That has been suggested for many years MGM, so maybe their research is to see if it really works.  It doesn't  ;D  As soon as the fleece gets rained on, the slugs can positively run over the surface.  Then there's the problem that we use rotavators in our veg patch, and fleece takes ages to rot down, meanwhile tangling round the tines, and proving almost impossible to get off again.  So I've been banned from using fleece in the garden  :garden:
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: clydesdaleclopper on June 22, 2015, 05:29:24 pm
You can use it as a weed suppressing mulch around fruit trees though
Title: Re: sending fleece for carding
Post by: Fleecewife on June 22, 2015, 08:36:26 pm
You can use it as a weed suppressing mulch around fruit trees though

Oh here it would be sure to clog up the mower................or the chickens would spread it all around....or both  :roflanim: