THE MILL
 
mill
 
Located on our property on the slopes of Mt Barker, is our mini mill complex.
 
The Mill consists of a variety of machines which will take the raw fibre and converts it into various forms. 
 
Take a look at  The Processing page for photos and descriptions.


Since the establishment of the mill back in 2005, we have constantly been
adding to the equipment. This year, we've added another felting machine.

We now have two complete runs of equipment - one run I keep for blacks and dark colours & 
the other for whites and light colours. 
 
 
 

How to Prepare your Fleece for Spinning

Lots of people ask me about how to prepare their fleeces for processing.

Below is a quick and easy way of doing this.

The first thing to keep in mind is that

these fleeces are not being prepared for a show,

so the fleece saddle and staples do not have to stay intact. 

Pull it apart - it’ll make cleaning easier

Spread the fleece out on a table or wire screen.

Shake it to loosen any sand and larger particles of dirt.

Remove any coarse pieces, second cuts or really dirty sections

which may have been missed at the shearing.

Pull out a large handful and go over this, removing any burrs or seeds.

You don’t have to remove every little piece of vegetable matter

but the more you get out - the better.

Have a garbage bag or bin for the rubbish and a bag for the good fleece.

Place the cleaned section into your good fleece bag

and proceed onto another handful.

By following this method will have your average saddle of fleece

ready for processing in approximately one hour.

A few things to check for along the way are:

Staple length - not less than 75mm (3") and no more the 150mm (6")

Tender Fleece - this is when the fleece has a weak section. Hold the staple between both hands and given a quick tug. If it breaks, it is unsuitable for processing.

Insect infestation - any fleece with moths, lice or lice eggs is not be acceptable.

 

Remember

the cleaner the fleece - the better the end product

 
 
 
products
 
 
Pictured here on the Felting Table are just a few items produced at our mill.
They include Rovings, Yarn on cones & spools, Woven & Felted  items

felt_6felt_5



Shown here are some fabulous felted sheets made from the saddle fleece and from the better legs and necks. From this felt - you can make wall hangings, garments, handbags and household items - even cria coats.



 
Please email me for fibre processing price lists and scheduling.

 
Copyright 2010 Echo Beach Alpacas Adelaide Hills South Australia
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