Skirting Fleeces 101

I worked hard for hours last week (on my vacation!) skirting fleeces to prepare them for processing into roving for spinning.

12 white fleeces ranging in size from 2.25 lbs. to 12 lbs. I recorded the raw weight and the skirted weight of each fleece.

I spread each fleece out on the skirting table and removed any vegetation (usually straw or hay), manure and fiber less than 2 inches in length.

My Father made my skirting table out of pvc tubes and some wire fencing. It is lightweight and can easily be disassembled and reassembled. I use it in the yard, on the porch and in bad weather in the foyer.

I find skirting fleeces to be relaxing and somewhat addictive. Being outdoors with a cup of coffee, listening to music, sorting through my wool while in the company of my sheep is priceless!

Fleeces are labeled and I chose several to be processed by Battenkill Fiber Mill in Greenwich, NY.

I am very excited about my trip to the mill that has been processing my fiber beautifully for several years. I will have many questions and hope to learn a lot about how my fiber is processed as well as guidance in formulating future fiber projects.