Become an Apprentice!
If you’re interested in learning what it takes to run a small fiber mill out of a two-car garage, come play around with a bunch of fun, flexible fiber nerds who know how to have a good time.
We take 2-3 apprentices on per year because we believe that art happens best in community. We want to make fiber knowledge accessible to as many people as possible with only your time, interest, and collaboration in exchange.
The apprenticeship typically takes a total of 24 working hours to complete and takes place during mill run times (every other Tuesday, 6-9 p.m., and every other Saturday, 12-3 p.m.). Most apprentices complete their training in three months.
During your apprenticeship, you will learn how to
wash fiber (wool, alpaca, and angora) in a top-load washing machine
skirt, pick, and tumble fiber
card fiber and make art batts
make roving
spin and ply yarn on a spinning wheel
wash finished yarns
care for angora rabbits
and more!
Once you finish your apprenticeship, you have the option to become a community member, which allows you to stay up to date about mill events, rent mill equipment at discounted rates, and purchase handmade goods for less.
To apply, please send your answers to the following questions to info@ethicalyarnco.com:
Why are you interested in fiber and fiber processing?
What’s your experience and interest in sustainability practices?
Are you comfortable working in LGBTQ+ and brave spaces?
Are you comfortable working with animals and animal fiber, even when it is dirty and greasy?
Do you have pets? If so, what’s your philosophy for caring for them?