It runs out and back on those rails you see in the floor.
An amazing machine.
Spools of spun yarn. 
Monday, June 19, 2023
Wollen Mill: the Mule
This mill has one of only two spinning mills in North America. What does that mean? It spins wollen yarns rather than worsted yarns. Softer and more lofty. And the machine is amazing! It’s is magical to watch.
It runs out and back on those rails you see in the floor.
An amazing machine.
Spools of spun yarn.
It runs out and back on those rails you see in the floor.
An amazing machine.
Spools of spun yarn. 
Wollen Mill: the Carding
The clean dry wool is transferred by hand to the carding and spinning part of the mill. 
Wool in burlap bales were there, but plastic bags were more common. Here’s an overview of the carding set up.
The machinery is all old, some more than 100 years old.
The safety gear is pretty rudimentary- chain link fences to keep you away from the running parts. To be clear we were not allowed in while it was running - we were allowed in during coffee break when the machines were off.
A sheet of carded wool.
The carding rollers.
The name plates.
The bin of wool before it hits the carding rollers.
Wool in burlap bales were there, but plastic bags were more common. Here’s an overview of the carding set up.
The machinery is all old, some more than 100 years old.
The safety gear is pretty rudimentary- chain link fences to keep you away from the running parts. To be clear we were not allowed in while it was running - we were allowed in during coffee break when the machines were off.
A sheet of carded wool.
The carding rollers.
The name plates.
The bin of wool before it hits the carding rollers.
Woollen Mill Carstairs: The Washing
Today we visited Carstairs Custom Wollen Mill in Carstairs Alberta, just near Olds. What fun!
Hers the entrance to the mill when you get your first hit of wolly heat. This trough is where the wool is washed with gentle takes moving it along through the 140f water.
A conveyor belt brings the wool to a pair of rollers the expell the water back into the tanks for reuse.
The it’s in to the next stage of drying and carding.
Hers the entrance to the mill when you get your first hit of wolly heat. This trough is where the wool is washed with gentle takes moving it along through the 140f water.
A conveyor belt brings the wool to a pair of rollers the expell the water back into the tanks for reuse.
The it’s in to the next stage of drying and carding.
Sunday, June 18, 2023
Olds Felted Hare: his name is Rainey
I’m in Olds Alberta at the fibre fest having fun with wool and friends. My class today was felting a hare. It was perfect that I’d seen a hare hopping around the parking lot just yesterday. He’s a bit fresh and flexible.
He’s a good listener.
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Garden Plant Rescue - Operation Gerbera
I have a few more empty pots and thought I might be able to get some annuals on sale from the Xmart or crappy tire. All Xmart had was some very sad gerberas. I managed to finagle 50 cents off and brought four home. So sad right?
But after some TLC, and repotting here is what they look like.
Totally perkedup! And they will give me the pop of colour I want.
But after some TLC, and repotting here is what they look like.
Totally perkedup! And they will give me the pop of colour I want.
Whitehorse Garden Highlights
Our Icelandic poppies are looking great.
Go do that!
Before and after
And my Alaska seeds are coming up!
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