The Fibre Enquiry Journey

This page explains what happens after you contact ADHCrafts about fleece or fibre processing. It is here to help you understand the difference between making an enquiry and having a confirmed booking, what information may be needed, and when it is safe to send or drop off your fibre.

Submitting an enquiry form does not automatically create a booking. ADHCrafts reviews each enquiry first so the fibre, project aims, timescale and processing options can be considered properly before anything is confirmed.

Please do not post or drop off fibre until your booking has been confirmed and you have been given an agreed start date or delivery window.

1. Step One: Send Your Fibre Enquiry

The first step is to send an enquiry with as much useful information as you can.

Helpful details include:

• your name and contact details
• the type of fibre, such as sheep fleece, alpaca or another animal fibre
• the breed, if known
• the animal’s name, if relevant
• approximate weight of fibre
• date of shearing, if known
• how the fibre has been stored
• whether the fibre has been skirted
• whether there are any concerns, such as matting, damp, moth risk, heavy dirt or vegetable matter
• what you would like the fibre to become

You do not need to know all the answers before getting in touch. The enquiry stage is there to help work out what may be possible.

2. Step Two: ADHCrafts Reviews the Information

Once your enquiry has been received, ADHCrafts reviews the information provided.

This may include considering:

• fibre type and breed
• staple length and staple strength
• visible condition
• likely amount of vegetable matter
• matting or felted areas
• second cuts
• storage condition
• signs of damp, mould or moth risk
• intended end use
• whether the project is suitable for small-batch hand processing

This review helps decide whether the fibre is likely to be suitable for assessment, washing, skirting, carding, preparation, hand spinning, sample processing or another use.

At this stage, ADHCrafts may also advise if the fibre sounds unsuitable, unsafe to process, or better suited to a different outcome.

3. Step Three: Photos May Be Requested

Photos are often helpful before a booking is offered.

Useful photos include:

• the whole fleece or bag of fibre
• a close-up of the locks
• staple length shown beside a ruler
• the cut end and tips of the fibre
• any dirty, matted or damaged areas
• how the fibre has been stored
• separate photos for each animal or batch

Photos cannot guarantee suitability, but they can help decide whether the fibre is likely to be worth assessing in more detail.

If the photos show possible issues, ADHCrafts may ask for more information before offering a quote, sample or booking.

4. Step Four: Support, Chat or Consultation

Depending on your project, ADHCrafts may suggest a short discussion before confirming the next step.

This may be useful if:

• you are unsure what your fleece can become
• the fibre has sentimental value
• the fibre comes from a pet sheep, alpaca or small flock
• you want to preserve provenance
• you are choosing between batts, rolags, prepared fibre or handspun yarn
• the fibre may need sample processing first
• the fibre condition is uncertain
• you would like help understanding realistic outcomes

A consultation or fibre chat may cover:

• your aims for the fibre
• animal and breed details
• fleece condition
• possible processing routes
• sample options
• estimated timescale
• likely fibre loss
• deposit and booking requirements
• next steps before sending fibre

For local customers in Cornwall, an in-person visit may be available by arrangement. Online options may be available where an in-person visit is not practical.

5. Step Five: Quote, Sample or Processing Recommendation

After the enquiry has been reviewed, ADHCrafts may offer one of the following next steps:

• a quote for processing
• a recommendation for sample processing first
• a consultation before quoting
• advice on further skirting or storage
• a suggested alternative use for the fibre
• a decision that the fibre may not be suitable for ADHCrafts processing

A quote may depend on the fibre condition, amount of preparation needed, intended end use, project size and estimated time involved.

Sample processing can be helpful when there is uncertainty. It may show how the fibre washes, cards, spins, blends or behaves before committing to a larger project.

6. Step Six: Deposit and Booking Confirmation

Your booking is only confirmed once the agreed quote has been accepted and the required deposit has been paid.

The deposit secures your place in the processing schedule. ADHCrafts does not begin work until the deposit has been received.

The remaining balance is due before the finished fibre, yarn or samples are returned or collected.

Deposit amounts, cancellation terms and refund conditions are explained in the full Deposit & Cancellation Policy. Please read this before confirming your booking.

Button/link text: Read the Deposit & Cancellation Policy

7. Step Seven: Agreed Sending or Drop-Off Window

Please do not post or drop off fibre until your booking has been confirmed and you have been given an agreed start date or delivery window.

This helps make sure:

• your fibre is expected
• there is space to store it safely
• it does not arrive before ADHCrafts is ready for it
• fibre is not left waiting unnecessarily
• damp, moth risk or storage issues can be managed properly
• your project is clearly labelled and matched to your booking

Once your sending or drop-off window has been agreed, you will be given instructions for packing, labelling and delivering your fibre.

8. Your Responsibilities as the Customer

To help the process run smoothly, please:

• provide honest information about the fibre condition
• mention any concerns, including damp, smell, matting, moth risk or contamination
• send clear photos if requested
• keep fibre dry and stored with airflow while waiting
• label fibre clearly by animal, breed or batch where possible
• do not send fibre before your booking is confirmed
• do not send damp, mouldy or actively moth-infested fibre
• read the Deposit & Cancellation Policy before confirming
• pay the required deposit before work begins
• pay the remaining balance before return or collection

You do not need to be a fibre expert. Clear information, good photos and careful storage are the most helpful things at this stage.

9. What ADHCrafts Is Responsible For

ADHCrafts will:

• review your enquiry before confirming a booking
• explain whether the fibre sounds suitable for further assessment
• ask for photos or details where needed
• give honest guidance about realistic outcomes
• advise if sample processing may reduce risk
• provide a quote or next-step recommendation where appropriate
• confirm the deposit and booking requirements
• provide an agreed start date or delivery window before fibre is sent
• handle your fibre with care once accepted
• communicate if the fibre behaves differently than expected during processing

ADHCrafts will aim to choose the best use for the fibre you have, while being clear about limitations, possible fibre loss and suitability.

10. Important Reminder

An enquiry is not a confirmed booking.

Please wait until you have received:

• confirmation that your project has been accepted
• an agreed quote or next step
• deposit instructions
• booking confirmation
• an agreed start date or delivery window

before sending or dropping off any fibre.

This protects your fibre, your booking and the wider ADHCrafts workspace.

Ready to Start?

If you are ready to ask about your fibre, please complete the enquiry form with as much detail as you can.

You are welcome to get in touch even if you are unsure what your fleece can become. ADHCrafts can help you understand the likely options before a booking is confirmed.