Bring a Fiber Mill to NE Ohio

Hi, my name is Kelly Powers and I am an Organic Farmer and shepherd raising money to bring a wool fiber mill to my farm in Medina, Ohio. This mill, from Belfast Mini Mills, will serve over 50 local farmers and will be able to process 7000 lbs. of local fiber. This helps the fiber farmers who raise sheep and alpacas, the local fiber arts community and clothing designers all over the Rustbelt Fibershed.

Cleveland Ohio was once the second-largest manufacturing center of clothing in the United States in the early 20th century. In the 1980s nearly 85%- 90% of all the clothing Americans wore was made in their own country. Currently, while most of our clothing is made overseas, there is interest in establishing local opportunities.

My passion for wool and other natural fiber began in New Zealand ten years ago. I had the fantastic opportunity to work with a regionally renowned spinner, dyer and felter, who taught me how to process wool, cashmere and angora from animal to clothing. This experience was profound for me. It showed me how extensive a process it was and how much skill and time it took to make truly priceless pieces of clothing and art that last a lifetime.

I have been training at Stramba Fiber Mill with Terri Stramba. I have learned how to operate all the machinery and how to process raw fiber into high-value luxury yarn, batting, roving and felt.

An enormous amount of fiber and clothing that we consume comes from overseas, from an extremely toxic and exploitative industry. These fibers are made mostly from plastic and are harmful to our health. There are an estimated 8000 harmful chemicals used in the production of our clothing. With the Belfast Mini Mill equipment, our processing is done without the use of harmful chemicals.

Powers Acres Fiber Mill will help link the farmers and makers in our local bioregion! We can become the cornerstone of our fibershed and be a part of the solution.

We need a down payment to make this happen. Please consider donating to this worthwhile endeavor. Every dollar donated will go toward bringing this exciting opportunity here! And Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!