Sort Grade Class
Sorting Grading Classing
Creating Standardization Across the USA
SGC: an exciting collaboration of Fiber Experts
We are pleased to announce our recent collaboration of Certified Sorted Systems and Wini Labreque of Starweaver Farm. The new entity is called “Sorting, Grading, Classing” (SGC). We are joining forces to standardize fiber sorting from a unified position. Our discussions revealed that we have been very close in our sorting for the past several years and that this is a great, logical step forward.
In addition, SUNY Cobleskill is backing the sorting instruction beginning with the Basic class followed shortly by the Advanced class and apprenticeship. Our first class with SUNY Cobleskill’s Office of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE). is in New York on January 30th. (See below for more information.) This will be a one day Basic class focused on owners learning how to sort their fleece on their farm to improve their breeding decisions and the quality of their roving, yarn & finished products. This Basic class is the prerequisite for the Advanced class.
The first Advanced class in 2016 is scheduled Springfield, KY and will be 3 days in length. This class is required for the apprenticeship leading to accredited sorting of fiber. The students will explore fiber and textiles in more depth and be able to for others with the knowledge of the opportunities for processing in the industry.
SUNY of Cobleskill certifies SGC’s Classes
The State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill has a rich academic tradition that spans nearly 100 years.
SUNY Cobleskill has consistently been recognized among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report and has been named to President Obama’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for four consecutive years. It was recently recognized as Military Friendly College by G.I. Jobs magazine. A member of the U.S. Green Building Council, the college has also been recognized among the Princeton Review’s 286 Greenest Colleges.
We are honored to be working with SUNY Cobleskill in offering a Standardized US fiber sorting class in the US. The basis behind this collaboration is to establish a standardized, uniform system for fiber collection and batching for production, whether on an individual farm level or for a commercial collection. This will further enhance the natural fiber textile industry in the United States.
- Basic Fiber Sorting & Grading workshop series, designed to help natural fiber producers access new market opportunities and enhance their businesses.
- The goal for these classes is to have natural fiber producers gain the knowledge to return to their farm and organize their fiber for production. Management, harvesting and sorting are the building blocks for the basic workshop with hands-on time to gain experience. Included also is information on yarn production to familiarize the students with processing at artisan mini-mills. Students will leave the Basic one-day event with the tools they need to get their fiber out of storage and separated so that they can maximize yield and minimize cost at their mill. The Advanced workshop will build on the knowledge from the Basic workshop and give attendees building blocks not only for their own fiber production but also to enable them to offer this service to others.
- Producers will also learn breeding and animal care tips for improved fiber quality and uniformity. The material is relevant for sheep, llama, alpaca and rabbit breeders/producers of all types and sizes!
- The certificate will help producers overcome the intimidating task of sorting and grading fleeces on the way toward higher yield and higher revenues.
- Students will be taught how to design and use their own grading/sorting reference tools and apply the knowledge gained for practical use.
- Learn to breed for fiber uniformity. Uniformity is vitally important in producing a higher quality, more consistent and predictable end product.
- Understand the importance of being sustainable in agriculture.
- Certificate: Three part course
- Basic (one day 8 hours)
- Three Day Advanced (24 hours) (May 21-23, in Kentucky 2016)
- Apprenticeship: Participants go into the field and evaluate, sort and grade 250 specific types of fleece. It requires submission of 40 samples to instructors for confirmation of understanding of materials.
New Workshop: Fiber Sorting & Grading
January 30, 2016
SUNY Cobleskill is proud to announce the launch of a Basic Fiber Sorting & Grading workshop designed to help natural fiber producers access new market opportunities and enhance their businesses. Participants in this one-day program will gain the background knowledge and technical skills necessary to ultimately take part in an intensive, multi-day fiber grading and sorting certificate program, offered in partnership with “Sorting, Grading & Classing” and fiber expert Wini Labrecque.
The Basic Workshop content will be focused on the practicality and benefits of proper fiber preparation at the farm level prior to processing. This class will help producers overcome the intimidating task of sorting and grading fleeces on the way toward higher yield and higher revenues. The best and most profitable utilization for each grade of fiber will be highlighted and instructor Labrecque will teach participants how to design and use their own grading/sorting reference kits.
Producers will also learn breeding and animal care tips for improved fiber quality and uniformity. The material is relevant for sheep, llama, alpaca and rabbit breeders/producers of all types and sizes! Workshop time will include lecture and hands-on sorting components. The first basic workshop will be offered on January 30th at SUNY Cobleskill. Information about the full certificate program to follow will be made available soon. For more information on the “Sorting, Grading and Classing” group and instructor Wini Labrecque, please visit www.fibersorting.com.
Call the Office of Professional and Continuing Education to sign up for the first offering of the basic fiber grading & sorting workshop at 518-255-5528 and ask for Linda Serdy.
Basic Workshop held at SUNY of Cobelskill
Advanced Training with Apprenticeship Option
May 21-23 Springfield KY
This 2 day class builds on the information in the prerequisite Basic workshop and is geared toward the individuals that want more in-depth education and/or are interested in developing a business sorting for other owners. Registration opens February 2016.
A quick review of the Basic workshop information sets the pace for the class. The mornings are more didactic and the afternoons are hands-on with the instructors giving immediate feedback on what you’re seeing in the fiber. Requirements for the apprenticeship are delineated during the class including the requirements for different sorting clients.
You will have the opportunity to examine alpaca and wool plus other fiber types we have available.
It’s a fast-paced, supportive learning environment with individual attention for each student.
A regional sort will immediately follow the class. Students are encouraged to participate to get experience immediately (and earn a little income, too.)
Service Spotlight
US Natural Fibers aims to lead the way in the rebirth of textiles in the US with a centralized, full service processing for alpaca, mohair, bison, cashmere, and other natural fibers for your favorite Made in America products.
They are in desperate need of a more efficient dryer and have begun a Crowdfunding campaign with some great perks. Click the link below for more information.