FIBRE PROCESSING

• true custom processing of small batches of fibre
• from YOUR animals to YOUR specifications
• producing a wide range of products, including plied yarns or singles, batts, rovings or felt

PRICES FOR PROCESSING

WASHING

• $3.00/lb based on raw weight*

*(All other charges are based on FINISHED weight)

To ensure proper processing, we prefer to wash all fibre ourselves. We do accept washed fibre; however, we reserve the right to wash any fibre we consider inadequately washed, and to charge accordingly.

Price List (per finished lb):

Please note that we have no minimum order size; however, on each job of less than five (5) lb., we base our wash price on actual weight washed, but our finished product is priced as if it were 5 lb. finished weight.

BLENDING

• $3.00/lb finished (fee for blending fibres, i.e. exotics and wool)

CARDING INTO STANDARD ROVINGS OR BATTS
includes one (1) picking.
(Batt size is approximately 18" x 48")

• Wool $9.00/lb.
• Mohair, Alpaca, Llama $13.00/lb.

DRAFTING
into drafted roving (add to price of standard carding)

• $2/lb.

SPUN SINGLES
(includes one (1) picking, carding, drafting)

• Wool: heavy $23.00/lb. medium $24.00/lb. fine $26.00/lb.
• Mohair, Alpaca, Llama: $30.00/lb

PLIED YARN
(add to price of singles)

• 2 ply: add $1.50/lb. to singles charge
• 3 or 4 plies: add $3.00/lb. to singles charge

SOFT SPUN
(Long fibres only)

• $24.00/lb. and up, depending on fibre.

Includes 1 picking, carding and drafting.

FELTING
(Includes one picking and carding. Sizes of batts are approximate)

• Wool: 24" X 48"
  1-4 sheets $28.00/sheet
  5 plus sheets $24.00/sheet.
• Exotics: 24" X 48"
  1-4 sheets $32.00/sheet
  5 plus sheets $28.00/sheet.
  Includes picking and carding

(NOTE: Unless you specifically ask us NOT to, we will add 20% wool to exotic felts to increase stability.  You may send your own wool.  Alternatively, we can provide the wool and charge you for it.)

SAMPLING
to test spin marginal fibre.

• $25.00

Deposit of 30% deposit on order estimate is required.

PRODUCERS - FURTHER DETAILS

• Skirting your fleece
• Sorting your fleece
• Sending your fleece (Please contact us before shipping as this will allow us to arrange a suitable shipping date)

The Gulf Islands Spinning Mill, on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada, offers true custom service and processes small to medium-size batches of wool, alpaca, llama and mohair.

We can make your fleeces into roving, yarn, batts or felt. There are pictures of our mill on the site.

Our spinning system is designed to make a semi-worsted yarn, but it offers a degree of control that allows us to spin yarns with either woolen or worsted characteristics. We can handle fleeces with staple lengths as short as 3-4 inches, or as long as 7-8 inches.

We produce a true, naturally-balanced plied yarn, with handling qualities appropriate for the fibre-type being spun. And we accept small orders, although there is a considerable price advantage for batches with a finished weight of 5 pounds or more.

And we happily work with producers to achieve the product they want: we offer advice on optimal processing for your fibre; provide information sheets on the shearing, skirting and sorting procedures that contribute to good yarn quality; and guarantee that you get your own fibre back.

We can also assist you with ideas on marketing the top-quality and special product you will now have. The fact that you will have an exceptional product spun to your specifications will give you an advantage in your marketing.

We use only bio-degradable detergents in our wash system, and very light spinning conditioners -- no harsh chemicals or acids. Consequently, we ask that fibre sent to us be well-skirted and reasonably free of vegetation. We take pride in protecting both your fibre and the environment of our beautiful island.

To ensure prompt handling of orders, we ask producers to contact us before shipping fibre, and arrange for a shipping date.

Custom processing of your wool, mohair, llama or alpaca fleece at reasonable prices.

• Small to medium sized batches
• Made into roving, yarn, batts or felt
• Custom yarns

Highest quality
• We work with you to give you the results you want
• You get your own fibre back GUARANTEED

Please keep in mind that the quality of the yarn that you receive from us will depend to a very large extent on the quality of the raw fibre that you send us. Fleece with tender fibres, widely varying lengths or excessive vegetation will result in poor quality yarn. To ensure a good end product sort and skirt your fleeces well.