|
Tunbridge Woolworks LLC |
 |
 |
 |
FAQs
In-coming fiber requirements:
Table of Contents
WHAT IS WOOLWool is the fiber taken from the "fur" of animals of the Caprinae family, principally sheep, but the "hair" of certain types of goats and rabbits plus all alpacas and llamas is often called "wool". The wool from domestic sheep has two qualities distinguishing it from hair or fur: it has scales—moving any moisture and dirt away from the sheep's own body—and it has crimp—tight curls with more than 20 bends per inch in some sheep breeds. The fiber's 'scales' open up or close tightly to help the sheep cool itself in summer or stay warm in the cold. Each wool fiber has a protective membrane coating helping the sheep's body stay dry but this must be washed—scoured—off to completely remove any dirt or sweat. To learn more, visit Wikipedia's entry on "Wool".
WHAT IS FIBERAlpaca fiber is lighter in weight than most wools, soft luxurious. These animals are double-coated similar to llama fiber and some primitive sheep breeds. However, as with all fleece-producing animals, quality varies from animal to animal, and some alpaca produce fiber which is less than ideal. Fiber and conformation are the two most important factors in determining an alpaca's value. Animals from the Peruvian Accoyo line often have the best fiber characteristics. The Accoyo estancia of Peru practiced "line breeding" (breeding granddaughters to their grandfathers and so forth, much like dog breeders do,) and they managed to create exceptional fiber. Most Accoyo animals (both Suri and Huacaya) are white, although with diversification, there are some darker Accoyo animals. To learn more, visit Wikipedia's entry on "Alpaca wool fiber" DO YOU HAVE A SCOURING MINIMUMWe can wash or card even one-half pound of fiber but because it uses the same amount of sink-time and water we need to charge $10 for the first load—a three-pound 'start-up'
AND WHAT ABOUT A CARDING MINIMUM?There is a $10 minimum for carding. I need to clean the carder's many drums after each batch, regardless of the number of pounds.
WHAT IS AN "EXOTIC"?That means alpaca or llama, Mohair goats —or camel or yak or……
WHAT IS "FELT" and HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?
WHY are CHARGES HIGHER FOR OTHER-THAN WOOL?Because these fibers—alpaca, llama, mohair—are so much harder to card and more delicate to wash. Often just picking the fiber is a more economical solution than carding and yields virtually the same result.
WHO, EXACTLY, IS TUNBRIDGE WOOLWORKS?
WHEN DID TUNBRIDGE WOOLWORKS BEGIN OPERATION?I always tried to keep my wool processing in Vermont but, for the first time, with my spring 2006 shearing this proved impossible—too little of any of my five wool colors to make Green Mountain Spinnery's minimum and too much for me to do at home. An idea began to germinate and that autumn the building was getting a coat of paint, the equipment was purchased and hauled to Vermont and by December I was washing my own wool! Other fiber farmers began calling and their fiber quietly arriving. My dream had taken root. Now all that remains is the real work!
MAY WE COME AND VISIT?Certainly but please call first. I can chat some but I need to keep working. Also, please understand that this is definitely not a place for children or dogs.
Revised: 06/26/08
|
|
|
37 Ordway Road, Tunbridge, VT 05077, USA, 802-889-3417 landlamb@hughes.net
|
|
Many different types of natural fiber make 'felt' with the use of hot water, soap and pressure/rubbing. Although raw wool will felt, most felters prefer to use fiber scoured and carded. Hot water opens up the scales on the fibers, the soap allows them to slip easily past one another and squeezing out the water as it cools causes the fibers to permanently lock together. Felt was found as early as
the Bronze Age—well before other fiber crafts—and was often a community event resulting in functional fabrics (rugs, blankets, saddle blankets), clothing (socks, hats) and decoration. Felt can be fragile and thin or heavy and thick, it can be made on our table, or on a surface at home, or made using a form resulting in mittens or slippers or hats. Felt is fun, colorful, functional and an easy skill to learn. Come try!
Tunbridge Woolworks is owned and operated by Marian White. She (well 'I' since I'm writing this web page) raises Navajo-Churro sheep (and has two Rocky Mountain horses among other animals cavorting around). Marian made movies for PBS and for IMAX/OMNIM
AX for twenty-five years before turning to full-time farming. More recently, she worked as Policy Analyst for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. Marian is thrilled to be working nearer to home, operating Tunbridge Woolworks full-time. Fritz is also very content.