Q. How do I know I will get my own fleece back?
A. We are well aware that this is a big concern for many people.  We are diligent and strict with keeping each fleece labeled and separate. Every incoming order has a work order written up for each fleece or batch. This paper work has all information for the fiber and of the owner and it stays with the fleece thru the entire process. When we have two fleeces exactly alike in the shop at the same time we keep them completely apart so as not to mix them up. It would be much easier for us to run one white Merino right behind another to save time, cleaning and adjustments. But we never do this because it would be too easy to get them mixed up during processing. With each of these procedures in place, we can assure you that you will always have your own fiber returned to you.

Q. What is your minimum?
A. 2 LBS

Q. Can you process alpaca, camel and exotics?
A. Yes, we can process these fibers and most exotics due to the diversity of the machines

Q. How do I “skirt” my fleece?
A. Skirting is removing all of the undesirable pieces from your raw fleece. This would be matted or felted parts, dung tags, second cuts, coarser fibers, hoof trimmings, stickers, vegetable material and any foreign objects. Even purchased fleeces should be closely checked for these items.  If fleeces come in that have obviously not been skirted there will be a fee per fleece for us to skirt them.

Q. How large are your batts?
A. We have a 24” card and the roller is 48” around so your batt will be 24” x 48” and as thick as 10” or as thin as 2”.  Every wool rolls up differently so how “fluffy” your batt is will depend on your carded wool.

Q. What about the vegetation in my fleece?
A. Vegetable matter (VM) in your fleece is a controversial and much discussed topic. We cannot process fiber with too much VM contamination. Most of the VM will come out of the fiber during carding but it is just being deposited into our machines. It may take us 4 hours to clean our machines. It is just not worth it to us or you as it results in a great deal of added labor. You can always hand pick your fleeces. We do not do this service. As you will find, it is very tedious, filthy and time consuming.

Q. Do you give tours of the processing shop?
A. We do give tours by appointment only. The mill is a very interesting and educational. Please try to plan tours with a small group or at least a few people to make it time efficient.

Q. Does “Clean” mean I have to wash my fleece?
A. No, we mean clean of vegetable matter, and as clean as you can get it without washing it.  Hay, seedheads, toenail clippings, rocks, bailing string, dung, dirt, etc. should be removed.

Q. If the fiber is already off of the animal, how is it stored?
A. Many a beautiful fleece has been ruined by being stored improperly. The raw fiber needs to have air. If stored in plastic bag, make sure it has plenty of holes in it. Old pillowcases work well. grain sacks can be used  just be sure there's no grain left in the bottom. Don't store a damp fleece. In hot, humid weather, damp fleeces can mold and mildew even if the bag is open at the top. Make sure before storing fiber that all tags (manure and real heavy black grease) have been removed.

Q. What length should the fiber be?
A. Typically fiber should be between 2 - 5 inches; anything less than 2" or more than 5" can cause problems with the machines. Our machines will take out anything under 2" and we will have to cut anything over 5".

Q. How much of our fiber will be lost during processing?
A. Depending on vegetation, dung, debris, dirt, etc. loss can be from 5% to 50%. You can make your loss minimal if you skirt your fiber.

Q. Is spinning my fiber into yarn my only option?
A. No - You can have your fiber done into Rovings, Batts, Felting or Yarn. It is completely up to you.

Q. How can I purchase your products?
A. You can purchase any of our beautiful woolen products directly from our mill by calling (860)342-4304, by mail by using our order form, or by email Sales@twistoffatespinnery.com.  Orders by email will be sent a paypal invoice with payment instructions, please do not include credit card information in an email. We accept check, money order, or credit cards through paypal.

Q. What types and grades of fibers do you process?
A. We have experience processing all grades of wool and many animal fibers. We are willing to try your fiber, just ask us and we will determine whether our machines can process it.

Q. Why is there so much vegetation in my roving?
A. We do not add vegetation so what remains after washing, picking and carding was already there when we received the fiber. We know of two methods used by industrial fiber processors to remove vegetation: chemicals and mechanical crushing.  We do not use chemicals and we don't have a mechanical crusher. To get the best and cleanest, roving buy the cleanest fleeces. If you raise your own fiber animals keep their pastures spotlessly clean. If you can, before shearing, clean the fleece while the animal is still holding on to one end of the fibers.