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Announcing...

Fiber Sorting Services from DeSoto Bend!

If you've heard Robyn Kuhl or Carrie Hull from the Coarse Broads, Inc. talk about how to profit from your fiber, then you're familiar with the Certified Sorted™ system. You may also know about the North American Alpaca Fiber Producers. No matter if these are all new to you - here's our message.

 

Fiber Sorting is the First Step to a profitable production herd

Sorting basically grades the fleece by fineness, length and color.  Products can then be designed specifically to use the fiber in these grades – with the key goal being appropriate use for that grade.   For instance, grade 2 would be better in a fine yarn that would be used in a scarf or next-to-skin garment.  Grade 3 or 4 is great in socks! 

What do you get from a Sorted Fiber Service?

Even if you're not part of a cooperative, fiber sorting can be of value. Here's a brief summary of what you'll get:
* Your herd's fiber, graded by fineness, length and color.
* A herd summary, showing where your herd's fiber strengths lie.
* Individual fiber evaluation forms for each alpaca.
* Ideas on what to do with your alpaca fiber, even for those fleeces that are no longer in the top tier.

What do I bring as a Certified Fiber Sorter?

+ More that 2 years apprentice work in the Certified Sorted™ system

+ More than 30 years experience working with natural fibers as a handspinner.
+ 10 years experience as an alpaca breeder.

What happens during a fiber sort?

I can do On-site or 'Bag' sort. Sorting is done in the same manner, but the timing is a little different in these 2 methods.
1. Bag Sort: sorting is done sometime after shearing is completed. The fleece is rolled in plastic or put into bags by sections (blanket, neck, etc.). This usually involves shipping the fleeces, or getting the fleeces to me in some way.
2. On-Site: The fleece is sorted immediately after the alpaca is shorn, right along with the shearing process. This is done at your site.
I can only do a limited number of on-site sorts, so please contact me about the option you might be interested in well ahead of time, so we can plan what will work best.

Please call or email to set up a time to get started on your fiber adventure!

DeSoto Bend Alpacas
Helga and Clark Fensterman
8611 County Road 41  Ft. Calhoun, NE  68023
Ph:  402-426-8078   Fax:  402-426-1737