Artisan small batch fiber mill at Get Bentz Farm
Donation protected
As more consumers become aware of the importance of local food systems and the environmental impact of our agricultural systems, they are also more aware of their local fibersheds and the importance of local woolen products. This project would fill a gap in the current fiber market and allow for small batch, artisan milling of local fiber products which will add value to not only local shepherds but also local fiber artists.
The funds from this campaign will help pay the initial costs of the fiber milling equipment that can take a raw fleece and turn it into a usable product. This mill is considered a "mini" mill, meaning it can process small batches of fiber allowing the miller and shepherd more creativity with their final product. It will also allow processing of a variety of fiber and will provide a much needed processing opportunity to shepherds who raise rare breeds or smaller flock sizes.
This mill will also fill a gap in current fiber processing for local shepherds, current mills have a 9 month plus wait time to mill fiber due to the demand, this mill would give the local shepherd community one additional option for fiber processing.
Who am I? I am a local shepherd and fiber artist, and I raise primitive sheep using sustainable agricultural practices. I love processing fiber and wool and have apprenticed with other millers at woolen mills. This mill would add tremendous value to my business and community, and would be women owned and run. My dreams for this mill is to eventually create a space on our beautiful farm where people can come and learn more about the various sheep and fiber animal breeds and see how this amazing product that these animals grow, is turned into a usable item that is eco-friendly, sustainable, and biodegradable. Your gifts and donations will help me achieve the first steps of this goal, ensuring the future of the local wool market.
Your donation matters, and we want to reward you.
- $100 donation will get you 8oz of our first roving made!
-$200 donation will get you a skein of our first yarn made!
-$300 donation will ensure your fiber will be processed once the mill is up and running!
- Donations below $100 will get a bar of felted soap made from our wool and soap I made.
The funds from this campaign will help pay the initial costs of the fiber milling equipment that can take a raw fleece and turn it into a usable product. This mill is considered a "mini" mill, meaning it can process small batches of fiber allowing the miller and shepherd more creativity with their final product. It will also allow processing of a variety of fiber and will provide a much needed processing opportunity to shepherds who raise rare breeds or smaller flock sizes.
This mill will also fill a gap in current fiber processing for local shepherds, current mills have a 9 month plus wait time to mill fiber due to the demand, this mill would give the local shepherd community one additional option for fiber processing.
Who am I? I am a local shepherd and fiber artist, and I raise primitive sheep using sustainable agricultural practices. I love processing fiber and wool and have apprenticed with other millers at woolen mills. This mill would add tremendous value to my business and community, and would be women owned and run. My dreams for this mill is to eventually create a space on our beautiful farm where people can come and learn more about the various sheep and fiber animal breeds and see how this amazing product that these animals grow, is turned into a usable item that is eco-friendly, sustainable, and biodegradable. Your gifts and donations will help me achieve the first steps of this goal, ensuring the future of the local wool market.
Your donation matters, and we want to reward you.
- $100 donation will get you 8oz of our first roving made!
-$200 donation will get you a skein of our first yarn made!
-$300 donation will ensure your fiber will be processed once the mill is up and running!
- Donations below $100 will get a bar of felted soap made from our wool and soap I made.
Organizer
Theresa Bentz
Organizer
Northfield, MN
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