The first Harris Tweed from Uist Wool yarn to receive the Orb.
by Uist Wool
Uist Wool is now looking to purchase local fleece for the new mill which will start full-time production in Autumn 2014.
We are keen to work closely with crofters and wool producers in establishing a regular supply of local fleece for Uist Wool to spin into a range of yarns for use in knitwear and weaving.
The benefits of selling to Uist Wool:
Better prices for good quality fleece
Local wool is used productively and creatively
Supporting a new industry based in Uist
Helping create new jobs in the community
Keeping our local economy vibrant
Uist Wool will use a range of grades to assess the quality of fleece and to set the final payment to the crofter/wool producer. Generally, finer, softer ‘Hogg’ fleece will be graded higher and the older, coarser wool will be graded lower.
In order to be suitable for our low-volume high-quality spinning, the fleece must be:
Largely free of paint and excess vegetation
Dagging and skirting removed or ‘Dump the Lump’!
Well-sheared i.e. without second cuts which shorten the fibre
Any breed, but separated by breed
Fleece will be graded based on the age of animal, staple length and ‘handle’ of the fibre. Staple length and handle are affected by genetics and condition. Uist Wool will grade fleece into A, B or C categories by a combination of these qualities and aim to develop a fair and simple grading system.
Stornoway-based designer Rosie Wiscombe wearing her unique Hebridean Hoody woven by Sheila Roderick of Scalpay Linen from Uist Wool yarns.
Over 500kgs of local wool, kindly donated in 2012 and 2013 has already been sorted and graded in preparation for the first run of machinery at the mill in Grimsay. Uist Wool would like to thank these pioneering contributors and encourage others to come forward to discuss selling their 2014 wool clip to the mill.
Uist Wool yarns will be designed to take advantage of the best qualities of local fleece for products such as textured knitting yarns, tweed, interior fabrics and floor-coverings. We are happy to discuss your fleece with you in more detail as we all try to make the most valuable products from island sheep.
If you are interested in selling or donating fleece to Uist Wool please get in touch with Dana MacPhee on 01870 602597 or 07798 561022. E-mail: info@uistwool.co.uk