Updated March 23, 2025.
As we wind down operations at Yarn Factory in early April, we’ve been working hard to find a mill that meets both quality and geographic needs for our customers.
We recently had the opportunity to spend a few days at Foster Creek Fiber Mill in Doland, SD working alongside Pam Evenson. We used our time with Pam to share tips, tricks, and our closely held yarn recipes and machine settings. We will also continue to be there to support her as she scales up her mill.
Pam started her mill about the same time we started Yarn Factory and has a deep passion for fiber arts. Foster Creek Fiber Mill uses the same type of equipment (Stonehedge) that we used for the last 4.5 years at Yarn Factory. It’s some of the best semi-worsted artisan fiber processing equipment you can find in the United States.
Foster Creek Fiber Mill is located just a few hours drive from Yarn Factory, making it super convenient for our existing customers looking for a new mill.
We know Pam will do a fantastic job with all of your fiber if you give her a chance. In addition to cloud, roving, yarn, she also has one of a very rare (and powerful) Stonehedge needle felting machines, allowing her to do thick felt sheets!
For those looking for a fiber mill, we highly recommend Pam and Foster Creek. You can find more about her mill at https://www.fostercreekfibermill.com/
While we had hoped to get through much of our backlog, the equipment sold much faster than we had anticipated. For those who still have fiber at Yarn Factory that is not yet under production, we will be reaching out to you in the coming weeks with three options:
- Free fiber transportation to Foster Creek in April
- Return shipping to your farm
- Forwarding your fiber to another mill at your expense
Our final day of processing at Yarn Factory will be April 4th. The equipment will be going to a private group for their own private processing needs and is not accepting custom production requests at this time.
Why are you closing Yarn Factory?
We are immensely proud of what we have accomplished with Yarn Factory. Demand for processing has gone up every single year since we started. We have no doubt that trend would have continued indefinitely. For that, we are grateful.
We have consistently processed between 3,000 – 5,000 lbs of fiber per year with just two people (with some additional part-time help). Realistically, this equipment can do twice that number and still not be pushed to the limits.
Jessie has been processing fiber for 10 years and we’ve been raising alpacas for almost 11 years. Several years ago we expanded our farm to include agritourism activities, which led to us welcoming thousands of people to the farm in 2024. A lofty feat driven entirely by word-of-mouth. This success, however, saw us spending more time away from the things we are the most passionate about.
Put simply, there are only 24 hours in the day and we’re using all 24 of them right now from January 1 to December 31.
We’ve missed out a lot of family events and put a lot of hobbies on hold while juggling the demands of two separate businesses. While we don’t regret any of it, we knew that it was time to decide what our future held. Ultimately, it is far easier to transition Yarn Factory (or the equipment) to a new owner than it is our farm (since it’s our home and all).
Beyond that, we felt it was time for a new adventure. As Jessie pointed out the other day, over 1/4 of her life has been spent processing fiber. While Yarn Factory is only 4 years old, Jessie has been processing fiber for 10 years. That is a long time to do anything. It’s even longer when are only in your mid-30’s (we know, we’re young).
We don’t know quite what our next adventure is, but we know it is necessary to wind down Yarn Factory before we can commit to it.
Will my fiber be processed?
Yes – if you fiber is in our mill currently or you have been on our fiber processing waitlist, we anticipate being able to complete most orders prior to our closure in mid-April.
If, for some reason, we are unable to complete our fiber processing backlog, your fiber will be returned to you either at your farm or forwarded to another fiber mill for processing.
Can I get my fiber back?
If you wish to have your fiber sent back without processing, we are happy to work with you directly to arrange this.
How can I inquire about purchasing the mill?
The mill equipment has been sold and is no longer available.
What about custom socks?
We will not be making custom socks during this wind-down period.
However, we do work with a sock mill in Minnesota who has made socks for us and our clients in the past. They have a 10lbs yarn minimum and are a family-owned business who do good quality work. We would be happy to process your fiber into yarn based on their specifications (if requested).
What's next for you after Yarn Factory closes?
Probably sleep for at least a few days. Maybe a vacation (it’s been a while).
We will still be operating our farm Ten Seven Acres for the upcoming agritourism season, as well as vending at various local arts & craft shows.
Beyond that, we look forward to spending more time with our animals and family. For Jessie, that means being able to spend more time with her horses. For Dirk, it means working on his car collection.