A Tour of Dakota Fiber Mill

Chris of Dakota Fiber Mill is passionate about what she does. Seeing her interact with her animals makes it obvious that she loves her job, and her animals love her. As soon as she gets close to them, her furry friends nuzzle up to her and get comfortable with their owner. Chris harvests the fiber from the animals on her farm to make beautiful yarns to knit into cozy creations. On her farm, she has:  yaks, camels, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats and rabbits.

While Chris harvests and processes the fiber from her own animals, her main job is processing the fiber that clients send to her to process. She has large machinery that she uses to turn a huge pile of fur into soft yarn.

Attached to Dakota Fiber Mill is The Wood and the Wool, where customers can shop yarns processed at Dakota Fiber Mill, knitted creations and can even take a class from Chris.

Recently, I had the opportunity to tour her farm along with some other members of the FM Modern Sewing Guild. Chris was excited to share all about her processing at Dakota Fiber Mill, and introduce us to her sweet and gentle animals.

1. How did you get your start in the fiber milling industry?

I started with 4 alpacas, a spinning wheel and the aspiration of hand processing all my own fiber. Working full time and raising a family, it took me 6 months to get thru one fleece. I had friends that wanted to buy alpaca yarn from me, but I was just able to spin enough for my own knitting purposes, so I started sending some fleeces away to a mill (like myself) to be process so I could sell the yarn. My alpaca shearer in 2010 said I should open my own mill. Hmmmmmm. I thought that would be great-- work at home, something I loved....I started praying and the Lord threw open the doors. He guided me into a new career and business. The miracle debris on getting the loans to the mill setup and the day to day operations are piled high!! I am humbled by his Gift of doing what I love to do and His constant obvious Presence every day.  He lead me to a textile engineer from England whom built my carder and I paid to gather the rest of the needed equipment and was with me onsite for three weeks setting it all up and training me to use it. I spent the next six months practicing on my own and friends fiber. Taking in customer fiber starting 2011.

2. Who taught you to knit?

A good friend many many years ago taught me to knit. Since opening the mill I haven't touched my needles....:(

3. What services does your business offer?

I card fiber into roving for hand spinners, felters and crafters, and spin fiber into finished skeins of yarn. Soon to be adding felting services also.

4. What do you most enjoy about fiber arts?

I love animals! Working with their fiber is such an honor. Each fleece has its own personality so to speak. Even though its a Romney sheep fleece it will behave, require different gearing etc... than the next Romney fleece. Creativity is endless. You can do soooooo much with the fiber. With very little training etc....Something about working with natural fiber, once you do you will be hooked!

5. What is your favorite type of fiber to work with?

Camel, I love camel fiber. Super soft and good staple length.

6. How many animals do you have at your farm?

I will have 47 varying fiber type animals, with the addition of 17 coming this spring. Not counting the chickens and guinea hens... lol and the breeding angora rabbits.....

7. How many hours a week do you work?

I try to keep it to 70 hours a week in the mill. First couple years it was more but I try to limit it now. So I can attend church services, have a date night with my hubby etc....

8. What is the most rare type of fiber that you have worked with?

Hmmmmm rare fiber... I have done possum, cat and dog and corn silk..

A big thank you to Chris for taking the time to share her story, and give us a tour of her amazing farm!

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