Fiber Farming and Wool Processing

The Textile Expansion at Nezinscot Farm

Over the past seven months I’ve had the pleasure of learning about the art and craft of fiber farming. What started out as a desire to master the art of weaving and spinning has transformed into an obsession with the cultivation, manipulation, and usage of wool textiles. Now as Nezinscot expands its own unique twist on wool processing, I expand my own abilities as a growing fiber artist and shepherdess…

So behold (see photo)…. It is not much to see now but over the next few months we will begin renovations to create an eco-friendly wool processing facility. The room will be used for washing, picking, carding and dyeing our beautiful organic fibers, all while using an eco-friendly waste water system that will drain into our liquid manure pit . This compost is later used to fertilize our hay fields and pastures. The room will be equipt for 100% natural dyeing, using our own plants, locally foraged materials, and other natural sources. Raw wool will be handspun and used in a variety of fiber crafts.

The idea behind this new venture is to bring an anciet tradition back to life. The art of farming, specifically wool farming, dates back nearly 10,000 years as sheep were a form of food, shelter, and clothing for man. Although man did not begin to spin and weave till later in our history, sheep have still provided key support that has allowed civilization to spread its borders. Wool has built landmarks in farming, export, and art — and while we find ourselves in a world of mass production, and economic puzzles where quantity and quality have reversed roles, wool farming has remained a primitive art. From shepherds to weavers alike, we find ourselves fighting for the perpetuation of the industry. Here at Nezinscot we believe the industry itself is more than just a business, it is a way of life, a way of thinking, and an essential part of our history. We find it important to produce in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way — whether in our gardens, cheese room, or fiber studio. Beyond functionality and practicality we are striving to preserve a limited industry by educating not only ourselves but also our community.

So stay tuned for more because “The Life of Wool” has only just begun.

Sincerely,

The Farmer’s Apprentice