Yarn Scoop

The Austin American Statesman has a long, engrossing article about a local fiber mill.

After retiring from his oncology practice, Dr. Jim Sharp and his wife Deborah Sharp (a clinical social worker) began raising mohair and angora goats. In January, 2008, seeing a need, they decided to open their own local fiber mill.

The Texas Fiber Mill is open to any fiber producers, with any amount of fleece, from any fiber-bearing animal. Their prices are competitive with larger mills, but they appear to have no minimum order, which makes them a perfect choice for small regional fiber producers.

In addition to filling a much-needed market niche, the Texas Fiber Mill uses a rainwater collection system, and recycles 40% of the water used in scouring. Since they use a non-toxic scouring agent, they are able to use their graywater to irrigate the hay pasture which feeds their own flock of angora goats.

The article goes in-depth into the history and ramifications of the Sharp’s decision to start their own fiber mill. Read it!