Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
You cannot compare handspun yarn with commercial yarn, especially commercial synthetics. The quality is
simply on a different level.
(Photo courtesy of Emma Jane Hogbin)
Marketing Your Fiber or Yarn
You probably don't want to knit sweaters for your livestock, but I think you can learn something
from Farmer Brown. Sometimes, it's wise to let others do what they do best. If you know a spinner
and you really don't have the time or interest, see what you can work out with them—especially if
they enjoy it as a hobby. They might purchase whole fleeces straight from you, saving you the time
and work that goes into preparing and spinning.
Perhaps you like to spin, but aren't interested in the preparation. It might be worth it to you to hire
some teens or fiber enthusiasts to prepare it for you, and then you can spin and sell the yarn. Here,
you will need to take into consideration how much you can sell the yarn or finished products for as
compared to what you will spend on preparation. Your time could be worth the difference.
Knitters, crotcheters, weavers, and felters all love to work with handspun yarn. Consider selling
your wares at a local farmer's market, to a yarn shop, online, or to friends. If you enjoy crafting
with yarn, you might find that the finished project holds more selling value than the materials.
Ask around. Try different avenues. But most of all, attain and maintain a high quality of work-
manship, and you'll likely find many happy buyers.
