Custom Milling
at Borderlands Farm
As sheep farmers ourselves, we are pleased to be able to offer a local option for those in the fibre community to process fleece into rovings, batts or yarn. The choice to wear wool is the sustainable one, and made even better by the connection to the animal and its fleece. Our lead wool mill operator, Beverly Barlow, brings decades of experience and education working with a variety of fibres at multiple levels (farmer, hand-spinner, artisan, judge). It is her level of skill and knowledge that you can rely on to produce a high-quality end product that maximizes the potential of the wool. We look forward to meeting you, hearing about your fleece and working hard to create products that exceed your expectations.
We are currently accepting clean sheep’s wool, alpaca and mohair at staple lengths between 2-6” to create batts, roving or yarn.
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Pre-Step: Skirt, skirt, skirt (clean, clean, clean).
The real first step is to ensure that your fleece is as clean as possible through skirting (see the explanation under Policies). Not only will skirting increase the likelihood that your fleece can be processed through our mill and improve your finished product; it will save you money. Short cuts less than 2” in length can’t be processed and should therefore be skirted out. Matts, vegetation, dung tags, etc. also add to your weight, and will increase the amount of time we need to spend on your fibre.
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Assessment
In-Person: Complete our intake form here. Once we receive your completed form, we will reach out to book a time for you to drop off your fibre. It is preferable that you bring your fleece in clear plastic bags. We will then complete an assessment that includes an evaluation of the skirting (cleanliness of the fleece) as well as an evaluation of the fleece itself to determine your options. Once we complete the assessment, we will reach out to you.
Shipping: Complete our intake form here. Once we receive your completed form, we will reach out for a phone call to determine if we can accept your fleece. If appropriate, we may invite you to send a small sample of your fleece for assessment. Once we are ready to work on your fleece, we will send you an email with further instructions. Fleece must be shipped in clear plastic bags with our labels already attached. Please do not send your fleece(s) until notified. If fleece arrives without our requesting it, storage rates will be $2.50/day. Shipping and the associated costs are the responsibility of the customer.
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Ordering
All fleeces will be weighed upon arrival at the mill (note: this is the "unwashed" weight). To begin work on your order, we require a $15 per unwashed pound deposit. We accept cash, e-transfer or credit card and debit payments through Square. The deposit must be paid in full before work can begin on your order.
The order form will be completed at this time. It includes an estimated fulfillment date. Copies will be provided via email for those shipping their fleeces.
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Processing
As the fleece is processed through the mill, we will track all relevant data to prepare a report. The report will include information on the weights at each stage, as well as observations about the fibre. This will be included with your finished product. We will also maintain a file at the mill which will include this report along with a small sample of each batch.
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Fulfillment
Once your finished product is ready, you will receive an email notification that includes your invoice. For those who are local, this will include an invitation to set a pick-up appointment. Payment is due at the time of pick-up or prior to product being shipped. Shipping charges are not included in our costs and are the responsibility of the customer.
