Fiber Pick Up at NAAS

March 30th, 2013

Just a reminder that the Vermont Fiber Mill & Studio will be a the North American Alpaca Show in Springfield, MA on April 5 – 7.  If you want to drop your fiber at the show, contact us at vtfibermill@gmail.com.  We’ll also be delivering lots of orders for folks!

New Washing/Dyeing Facility is Operational!

March 26th, 2013

Our new washing and dyeing facility is operational and we’re so pleased with the results.  We are looking forward to cleaner fiber!  We have a tumbler so that certainly helps. 

The building that the facility is located in is part of the old Brandon Training School.  Closed for 20 years now, the building was is great disrepair.  It had not had heat, vandals had stripped it, the roof leaked, etc.  The new ower is started to bring it back to life in hopes of establishing incubator space for businesses.  We are the first tenant!  Enjoy the pictures.

12 - Tumbler11 - Fiber Storage9 - Dye Vat

1 - At the Beginning4 - Tumbler Shed3 - More Progress

 

7 - Washer6 - Barely Fits!8 - Washer Controls

September – December Production Slot has Availability

March 21st, 2013

Didn’t realize that the Aug-Nov slot already had so many commitments from returning customers, but it is now full!  If you are looking for processing this year, grab a slot in the Sep-Dec cycle.  Just let us know approx how much fiber you’ll have and we’ll reserve a spot for you.  We look forward to meeting your processing needs!

August – November Production Slot Now Open (& Filling!)

March 20th, 2013

The first available production slot is August – November (and filling quickly!). We are accepting reservations any remaining production slots so if you know when you’ll have your fiber ready and approx how much, let us know and we’ll reserve that time for you! We look forward to meeting your processing needs!

Wool Skirting Workshop @ Flora/Fauna Farm

March 13th, 2013

Passing this along …

There will be a Making Wool Presentable for Sale workshop on Saturday, April 13th. starting at 8:30 AM  at Flora/Fauna Farm in West Topsham, VT.  It  has proven to be overwhelmingly popular.  Usually we turn quite a few students away, so sign up early.  The size of the class is limited to thirteen.    As a result of  these classes  l usually sell out without difficulty.
 
        It is a good time to learn the characteristics of a good fleece, how to skirt fleeces thoroughly,  how  to roll them, and how to make them look presentable for both selling and competing.
 
        The instructor will be Phyllis Rockwell.  She is the owner and operator of Newfound Wool Works in Bristol, NH.  Our  shearer, Jim McRae, will have already completed his shearing task for this  year.
 
        The cost this year is $20.00 for non VSGA family units and for VSGA member family units  $5.00, and by donation for board members.  The same is true for New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Growers’ Association  members.  Lunch is included and will be served around 1:00 PM. or as soon as we finish.   Make checks payable to VSGA and send them to me at the following address.
 
        After the skirting of about twelve fleeces is completed, I  will  show how our sheep feeding is accomplished during the winter months along with their facilities.
 
        Please let me know as soon as possible if you desire to come.  Directions to our farm will be sent out via snail mail when I receive your payment.  These directions will be your tickets for admission.
 
        Please expect to wash your footwear before going up stairs in the barn.
 
Chris Hall
Ribbon Winning Fleeces
Flora/Fauna Montadale Sheep Graziers
73 Willey Hill Road
West Topsham, VT 05086
flofauna@tops-tele.com
www.florafaunafarm.com
(802)439-624