60-inch carding machine with a plethora of rollers.
Tape condenser...pencil roving is the endpoint of this interesting machine.
Spinning mule...used to fill bobbins with yarn.
Being the curious little fiber artist that I am...
I was thrilled when I was able to arrange a visit to the Fingerlakes Woolen Mill in Genoa, NY.
Our hosts, Jay and Suzanne could NOT have been more generous with their time...
...or more informative!
Jay took two whole hours out of his (very) busy life to take us through their mill, machine by machine...
...answering my (many) gearhead questions and explaining the function and history of each piece of equipment.
It's amazing how many steps and processes are needed to turn raw fleece into pencil roving...
...and then later into plied yarn in evenly weighted skeins.
Believe me, it is a LOT more time-consuming and intense a process than you might imagine...
...and one that requires total concentration on the part of the mill operator.
Jay and Suzannes's machines date from 1925-1946...
...and many were later modified to use electricity.
Rather like a working museum...
...the mill uses and preserves this unique collection of antique, yet fully functional machines...
...with Jay and his wife serving as 'caretakers for future generations'.
And as if running a mill wasn't enough of a job by itself...
...they also raise rare Hog Island sheep, chickens, and were tapping Maple trees for sap while we were visiting, as well!!
The Fingerlakes Woolen Mill has wonderful processed fiber and yarn for sale...
...both from their own special breed of sheep, and from other fleece sources.
Look for them at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival this May...
...or this Fall in Rhinebeck!
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P.S. For those of you who know me well...
...and know how very much I LOVE the color orange...
...check out this wonderful article about ORANGE SHEEP in Devon!!!
