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Sourcing Story: Visit to Woolgatherer Carding Mill

Sourcing Story: Visit to Woolgatherer Carding Mill

We submitted our first order of carded wool September 2022, and for the past three years, EcoWool® at Woolgatherer Carding Mill has been the backbone of our business, so we figured, time to go visit! We hit the road June 2025 on our way north to our annual family gathering.

A bit off the beaten path, Woolgatherer's is located just an hour south of the Oregon border. I knew we were in a non-woven wool verse as soon as we pulled in since a few WOOL TUMBLEWEEDS that has escaped from the carding machine blew by us in the parking lot.

Built in 1917 (yes, 1917!)

and still going strong thanks to owner Hank Kearns and his hard-working team, the California mill is one of the oldest operating carding machines in the USA. We rubbed some wool off the old girl and sure enough, there it was "Davis & Fruber, Machine Co., North Andover, Mass 1917."

It starts at the source.

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Hats Off for EcoWool®

EcoWool® is sourced from small family famers on the Pacific Northwest Coast, chosen for their sustainable and ethical farming practices. Hat's off to our mill! We were thrilled to learn that EcoWool® is randomly tested at UC Davis to conform to pesticide-free farming practices, and has earned a healthy report from internationally and locally recognized testing certifications including Confidence in Textiles - tested for harmful substances by internally recognized standard

OEKO-TEX.

More About EcoWool®
  • Domestically sourced and manufactured, sourced from California and Oregon sheep
  • Chemical controls - wool randomly tested at UC Davis for pesticides
  • Confidence in Textiles and OEKO-TEX certified and similar to GOTS certified
  • Climate Beneficial Wool employs farmers compliant with farming practices that reduce carbon footprint
  • Predator-friendly (encourages sheep dogs and llamas, no trapping, poisoning or shooting)
  • Healthy veterinary practices, fewer chemicals
  • Proper grazing methods

JG SWITZER is bursting with pride to champion Woolgatherer's EcoWool® as the backbone of our fine felted fabrics. This is a mill that has done the heavy lifting and hard work that goes deep into the soil and farming practices to ensure true sustainable practices, not greenwashing.

We left the Mill with wool tumbleweeds in the rearview mirror, and confidence that this is just the beginning of a truly special partnership. As we reflect, our belief that our fabrics are built on a foundation of integrity, sustainability, and genuine care is stronger than ever.

On our drive through Ashland, we couldn’t resist stopping by Shepherd’s Dream—co‑owned by Hank Kearns and his wife, Robin, they offer beautifully crafted bedding and mattresses made with the same EcoWool® batting. Robin, who does the buying for their incredible storefront on Main Street, has been a customer of ours since last year. For a wool or natural fiber lover, their cozy store is heavenly. It was a joy to get a tour of their incredible offerings and see how our SHOP SHEEP By JG SWITZER collection is styled with other natural fiber goodies.

What’s Next

  • We will continue to expand our partnership with Hank and his team at Woolgatherer's Carding Mill
  • We're excited to launch a new collection of sleep products made from EcoWool® batting - sleep pillows, wool comforters, and meditation cushions - available at JG SWITZER in the Fall!
  • Most importantly, we look forward to bringing you along on the journey—through future visits, new offerings, and product developments

Thanks for following along with us on this wool-filled adventure. Here’s to building stronger ties—with mills, makers, and our workshop family—one fluff of carded wool at a time.

XOXO,

The JG SWITZER Team

Got questions about wool or sourcing? Email us at service@jgswitzer.com.
JG Switzer
JG Switzer
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