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This has been by far the hardest start to writing that I’ve faced. I’ve already written parts two and three to this series, in comparison they’re simple; they’re about the what, but this one, well, it’s all about the why. Because there isn’t a simple answer. It’s ingrained in everything we’ve always done and been, the way I’ve been brought up. Having said that, there are a whole host of practical reasons we made the big decision, so I’ll try and illuminate that process slightly.
Back in 2020, in the height of a Covid lockdown, we were sitting in the sun and like most businesses, wondering where on earth we go, and what we do. The entire world had stopped, and that had completely changed the way we made and sold yarn. No yarn shows, most mills closing their doors indefinitely, and absolutely no clue what we’d be able to do over the coming weeks and months.
A couple of big things happened within a few of days of each other. Firstly, one of the mills with whom we’ve worked for years disappeared from the public database of the Global Organic Textile Standards, meaning they were no longer certified to spin organic yarn. Later that week I had a phone call from a mill in Central Europe that they were closing their doors as the owner was retiring, and he wished for all the machinery for spinning yarn to be packed up and go to a new mill as one lot.
As it turned out, neither of these directly impacted what we were doing. The database issue was a simple admin error, the member of staff who needed to sign a piece of paper was off work due to Covid, and the European Mill wasn’t suitable for spinning our kind of yarn. But together, they’d sparked something: maybe we should build our own mill. Whilst this ignited the spark, it wasn’t anywhere near enough to make the final decision!
Next came the really big questions. We’d had the idea, but was it actually possible? How much would it cost? How much space would we need? What machines are needed to spin yarn? Is it feasible, long term? Where could we even do it?
The enormity of this project started to dawn on us when it came to working out some of these answers. Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll go way back 25 years to how we started, and how in hindsight, opening a mill was inevitable since day one.
Your journey to build a spinning mill from scratch is inspiring! Turning pandemic challenges into an opportunity to create your own yarn is impressive. Looking forward to part two and seeing how this dream unfolds!
Your journey to build a spinning mill from scratch is inspiring! Turning pandemic challenges into an opportunity to create your own yarn is impressive. Looking forward to part two and seeing how this dream unfolds!
Congratulations! I’m so pleased and excited for you all. Thank you for sharing your journey and do let us know how we can help/support your project? Would you be offering shares? Just an idea that I picked up from our community shop here in Llangorse, Brecon.
Wonderful read, very much looking forward to the next chapter.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to put your story ‘out there’. Looking forward to part 2 … and wishing the same energy and spirit to everyone contributing to regenerative textiles in the UK.
I for one am glad that you are building your own mill. It’s an industry that has been in gradual demise in Britain in recent years, so many have shut doors and disappeared. I like knowing when,where and how the yarn I use is made. This is why i took up spinning my own as a hobby, buying fleece’s, and going through all the processes to make my own handspun. So I can appreciate all the effort that goes into the making. Your yarns are one of the best around on the market and they are my go-to yarns that I buy first from any other seller. Looking ahead to your updates on your new mill’s progress and more power to your elbows and shuttles lol.
Can’t wait to read on… SO glad you decided the way you did!
The saying goes—“Nothing ventured—nothing gained.” The journey that you have embarked on might feel scary, but in the end, you will look back and feel so proud of all that you have accomplished. I certainly will look forward to following your success—yes, your success!! Carolyn
I can imagine you writing this from your heart and sending it out to those of us who are passionate about our knitting and what yarns we use to create. I look forward to your story. Kathy
Thank you for sharing your story! Best of luck to you! I love your yarn and will seek it out even more now that I know where it comes from!
With blessings and ease, Jen
Sarah
November 05, 2024
Congratulations on taking the bold step to start your own spinning mill! Turning challenges into this incredible opportunity is inspiring. Can’t wait to read more in part two!