Elsa Wool Company: our story

Elsa   I was raised on a farm in Illinois. In the 60's I managed a pet farm and worked as a veterinary nurse. Since 1970 I've been ranching in southwestern Colorado, since 1984 I've been raising fiber animals and turning their fiber into clothing, and since 1986 I've been focusing on Cormo sheep and Cormo wool. I am committed to excellence -- in the production of the sheep, in the processing of the wool and the production of the clothing, and in service to my customers.

Wool
 
All of my products are made
from the wool of purebred Cormo sheep --
my own flock in Colorado and also a flock in Montana.
The Cormo is a breed of sheep developed in Australia 
from Corriedale rams and superfine Merino ewes.
Cormo wool is fine, longer-stapled than most fine wools,
very elastic, and exceptionally soft.

Our wool -- which begins as fleeces protecting Cormo sheep from the elements,
and is transformed into clothing providing comfort to people -- undergoes several processes. 
 

First, the sheep are shorn,
and their fleeces are thoroughly skirted
(sorted, with only the best fibers retained).

 
 
Next, the wool is washed in hot water and a mild detergent.
 
 
 

After that,
some of the wool
is sent to a woolen spinning mill,
where it is carded and spun
into a soft, lofty type of yarn;
the rest of the wool
goes to a worsted spinning mill,
and is carded, combed, and spun
into a smoother and stronger kind of yarn.

The yarns are sent to several knitters, and made into clothing and other products.

During the processes of growing, washing, spinning, knitting, and re-washing,
the wool is left as pure and natural as possible.

Company
 
From the management of the land and the livestock,
through all the steps
of harvesting the fiber
and processing it into finished products,
to the marketing and selling of the products --
a number of people contribute hard work, expertise, and caring. 
For all of these folks, I am very grateful.