Pricing for fiber processing can be complex, due to the versatility of the equipment. To keep it simple, we're offering pricing for the options most commonly requested, along with a brief explanation of the process. Additional options are available on request.
The maximum staple length with which the spinner can cope is 7 inches. It is possible to cut the fiber, but this is a time- consuming process, for which there is a charge of $20 per hour. In addition, this is not an exact science and although I do my best to cut all the fiber, some fiber is certain to escape, causing spinning irregularities. There is no issue creating roving from fiber with a longer staple.
Fiber Preparation
Skirting is the first stage in processing your fiber. Please ensure that your fiber is well skirted before it arrives at the mill. Once in the mill, your fiber will be 'tumbled', which removes some dirt, vegetable matter, and short cuts. Next it is off to the washing machine and then onto the 'picker', which opens up the locks and removes some tangles. At this point, the initial stage is completed. All fiber entering the mill will go through these initial processes.
(Please note, dyeing will be available from November 2019 and will be priced separately).
Charge for fiber preparation is $10 per incoming lb.
Fiber Separator
Although we can further process your fiber without this step, we strongly recommend you consider it, particularly if your fiber contains a mix of down and coarse guard hair. The fiber separator removes remaining vegetable matter, coarse hairs and creates a fine web for further processing. It can make a big difference to the quality of the final product. We will happily bag and return any material thrown out by the separator.
Charge for running fiber one pass through the separator is $8 per 'post picker' lb.
Carding
The carder is responsible for organizing the random mass of fiber into a ribbon, batt or bump of aligned fibers. The carder will throw out a small amount of vegetable matter and undesirable material, which can be returned if requested.
Charge for producing roving, batts or bump is $7 per 'pre carding' lb.
Producing Yarn
If you are not a hand-spinner, you will probably want your roving processed into yarn, The next step for your fiber is the 'draw frame'. The draw frame further aligns and regulates the fiber, making the roving more uniform.
Then it is onto the 'spinner', which creates single ply yarn to the desire size. On then to the 'plyer'. which can combine up to four single plys. All yarn is then 'steamed' to set the twist and wound onto cones. Finally, your yarn is wound into skeins of the desired length.
Charge for converting roving into yarn and finishing is $22 per lb of finished product.