For those of us in the PNW who like to do the rest of the process ourselves but don’t have washing facilities…. FYI that Ferndale Fiber in WA state is no longer accepting new customers, and though their website states that they have “washing only” services, Dawn’s Custom Carding also in WA state will only wash if taking your fiber all the way through the rest of their services (picking, carding, possibly dyeing).
I keep reading about how septic tanks can get all clogged and totally unhappy if you do a lot of fleece washing. I’m still not sure if this is true, but the last thing I want to do is fuck up the septic tank here at my rental apartment. Most of my fleeces are in the medium range, though I do have some Cormo, Merino and Corriedale that are all kinda greasy (but in a good way).
I don’t want to have to pay to ship the damn fiber back out to someone just to wash it. I might as well have people do all the damn processing again, and right now I can’t really afford that until I’m employed again.
GRRRR!
I lived with a septic tank for 13 yrs (with well water) – never had any trouble washing fleece. My friend who just started spinning lives on a well and a septic tank and has to be very careful, too. Be sure to use as hot water as you can. Did you see Deb Robson’s post: http://independentstitch.typepad.com/the_independent_stitch/2008/07/as-seen-on-tv-f.html
Comment by Cathy — Friday, 1 August, 2008 @ 5:33 AM