Process

Unfortunately to process yarn it is not as simple as feeding the raw fleece into a machine one end and have it spit out the finished yarn at the other.

There are a number of different machines involved, each doing a specialised operation to insure a quality product at the end.

1. Washing.

The fibre is gently washed for a minimum of 3 hours before being dried.


2. Picking.

The fibre is fed through the picker to break up the staples and loosen any vegetable matter that is entangled in the fleece. From the picker, the fibre is sprayed with conditioning oils to assist with the rest of the process


3. Dehairer.

This machine separates the unwanted coarser fibres and vegetable matter from the rest of the fleece. This process takes the longest time but it is worth the wait when you feel the outcome from the other end-simply heavenly!


4. Carding.

This is the most important process. Here the randomly placed fibres are aligned and transformed into a continuous web. This web is consolidated into a roving that is then further processed into yarn or it can be packaged as a bump for hand spinners. The web can also be turned into batts, which can be used for felting or quilt making.


5. Drawframe.

The rovings from the carder are fed a number of times through the draw frame. At each pass the fibres are drawn out further making a finer, more consistent and uniform roving ready for the spinner.


6. Spinner.

Transforms the rovings into a high quality spun yarn. Here the thickness and twist of the yarn (strands) can be fully adjusted to suit individual requirements.


7. Plying.

The individual strands are plyed back on themselves giving a well balanced yarn.


8. Cone winding and Steaming.

The yarn is wound onto a cone and any knots or breaks are spliced together ensuring a continuous yarn for the end user. The yarn is then steamed to set the twist.


9. Skeins/ball winding

Finally the yarn is wound into skeins or balls depending on individual requirements.