![]() ![]() ![]() As opposed to handspinning where lumpy bumpy fiber is manipulated inch by inch, the spinner needs the most consistent and even fiber possible to create an even, slub-free yarn. The pin-drafter aligns the fibers into more parallel roving. After the carding, the fiber moves to the pin-drafter, which is an essential part of making yarn. The carder is a larger version of the handcarders we’ve all used – with lots of rollers, swift and fancy. The picker is the machine that opens up the locks and blends fibers prior to going on the carder. After I get them up and running I turn my attention to either the picker, carder, pin-drafter, or dehairing machine. These two machines are capable of running on their own. Now, I prioritize starting the washer and the spinning machine. It’s easy to run frenetically between machines, all the while accomplishing very little. #Spinning wheel painted running sheep full#As I get more familiar with my equipment and its capabilities, I try to have a game plan before I walk in the door of the mill. As with any business, establishing your priorities for each day will help keep your head on straight.Īs other fiber addicts know, it can be overwhelming to walk into a space full of dirty fleeces needing washing, clean fleeces needing carding or blending, and roving needing to be spun into yarn. I anticipate learning until my very last day at the mill. While I’m sure there will be fewer hurdles over time, I’m not sure they will ever get less frustrating however, even with the challenges, there are many highs in the fiber business. I’ve only just started my milling career and some days the learning curve feels huge. A 2-ply fingering turned out as a 2-ply sport – a little overplied and a few more slubs than I’d like. What’s it actually like to own a mini fiber mill? I’m not going to lie, it’s absolutely amazing. I’m still able to write that, even after spending a whole day trying to get my first real attempt at “the perfect yarn” to come to fruition. I was concerned that at the end of the day, I would be too tired of fiber to knit or spin.Įventually, I worked through these concerns and challenges, and with the help of my husband and family, Ewethful Fiber Farm & Mill opened in the spring of 2017.Not to mention that there is serious mechanical equipment involved. The level of setup involved – electrical, plumbing, air circulation – all seemed very overwhelming.Financial – starting a mill is very expensive.I thought long and hard about opening a mini fiber mill. Mitch then bought me a spinning wheel for Christmas and my love of spinning was solidified! Turns out, you can’t have just one sheep, so more came to live on the farm. One day I saw a Shetland sheep for sale on Craigslist, and Mitch encouraged me to buy him. I had more peace and quiet time, which naturally evolved into more knitting time. Once my husband, Mitch, and I moved to the country, my passion for everything fiber progressed quickly. I knitted on and off throughout my life but always seemed “too busy” to devote much time to it. My fiber story is short and sweet: It involves a love for animals, knitting, and a husband who I refer to as my “supportive enabler.” My mom taught me to knit when I was young and my aunt taught me to crochet fiber and needles have been in my life for as long as I can remember. ![]() People who come to tour Ewethful Fiber Farm & Mill often ask me, “How did you ever get into doing this?” What’s it really like to run an operation like that? Today, Kim Biegler of Ewethful Fiber Farm & Mill gives us the inside scoop! If you’ve ever bought a fleece, chances are you’ve had at least a fleeting dream of owning your own fiber mill. ![]()
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