Before sending a fleece for processing:

• If there are moth casings, larvae and/or eggs, throw it out.  If I find signs of moths, it will immediately go outside and I will call you before throwing it out.
• If it feels more like a bale of hay than fleece, it’s not ready for processing.  Feel free to try and hand pick the debris out of it before sending for processing.
• Any fiber that comes from an animal that was bedded down with shavings is not ready for processing.
• If there are excessive amounts of burrs, rose thorns, and vm (vegetable matter/weeds), it’s not ready for processing.  I am here to wash and process your fiber, not to hand pick a year’s (or more) worth of debris out of your fiber.
• If there is excessive poo/dung tags, I suggest that you skirt your fleece.  This will save you a goodly amount of money.
• If there is so much dirt/mud crusted on the fiber so that you cannot tell what color it is, it is not ready for processing.
• If your fleece is felted (cannot be pulled apart by hand), it’s too late, discard it or figure out a project for it.
• If it smells like the “Bog of Eternal Stench”, it’s not ready for processing.
• If it smells strongly of mold, it’s not ready for processing.  Please do not store your fleeces damp/wet!
• Fleeces stored with mothballs will only be processed in warmer months as there needs to be excellent air circulation in the mill and they will need to air out for a substantial time period outside.  Some mills will not process fleeces stored with moth balls at all; I will, but only when I can air it outside.
• I will add, thankfully, that I have not had the pleasure of skunk-scented fleeces; they will be rejected.  A fleece should smell like the animal it came off of (that will wash out).
• If have found many items in fleeces that should not be in the bag when sent for processing:  hoof trimmings, knitting needles, bars of soap, chunks of wood, fishing nets, dryer sheets, yarn, dead mice, etc.  Please be aware.

If you’re shopping for a fleece and see this…WALK AWAY!