Wooly Fiber Prep: Intro to Batts and Rolags

Registration for this class opens to MMFS members on November 10, and then to the general public on November 12, 2026. Not a member yet? You can sign up here.

This class introduces woolen fleece preparation for spinning–from scoured fleece to prepared fibers. You will learn how to use hand carders and drum carders to prepare your fleece into batts (rectangular sheets or layers of carded fiber) and rolags (cylindrical rolls of carded fiber). Woolen yarns are known for being light, airy, and incredibly warm. 

This class offers a hands-on introduction to wool processing, encouraging material awareness as you work with raw wool from start to finish. Fiber preparation is one of the systemic gaps in our regional textile industry, and learning and sharing this process strengthens the local textile ecosystem.

 

About the Instructor: Christen Pentek  

Instructor will provide the following: 

All fibers for the class. Instructor will also have two sets of hand carders and a drum carder, for use during class.

Optional items students may bring: 

• hand carders (if you have your own set)
• spinning wheel / drop spindle, if you are interested in
• spinning the prepped fibers
• camera (if it helps you to document your learning experience)
• Note-taking tools (if you’d like to take notes)
• Since your class runs over the lunch hour, we recommend you bring lunch or click HERE to learn about local eating opportunities. 

Skill Level 
No experience required. 

Age Recommendation
Students ages 16 and older are welcome to attend this class. Students ages 16 and 17 may attend without a parent/guardian in attendance as long as MMFS is provided with written parental permission by email to info@marinemillsfolkschool.org.

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine St.
Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Cost Details
Tuition: $60
Materials Fee: $50
Total Cost: $110

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible! If interested, you can find our cancellation policy HERE.