Stromsburg is home to Nebraska’s only custom fiber mill

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — What started as a new hobby became a full-time passion for Kelsey Patton.

“When I was 13, I told my mom that I wanted to knit a sweater,” she said. “But first we had to get some sheep … and we both just went headfirst down into the rabbit hole of fiber arts.”

Now Patton owns and operates the only custom fiber mill in the state, where wool and other animal furs are turned into the beginning of a new project.

“People can bring their wool from their own sheep or fiber from their alpacas or llamas or other fiber animals,” she said. “And then we turn that into their desired end product, whether that’s yarn or roving or quilt bats or felt.”

The Fiber Mill started small, but now it’s running full steam ahead and has clients spanning the U.S.

Even people who aren’t well-versed in fiber arts can find a treasure in Stromsburg.

“We have some things like socks that are ready to wear and greeting cards and jewelry and some stickers and things,” Patton said. “Also, if you are interested as a visitor, we do give tours, and tours are either $20 per group of people or free with a purchase in the storefront and then we can show you the whole process of how we turn wool into yarn.”

While the business may be niche, the Nebraska Passport program has brought more people in — Patton said the foot traffic has quadrupled.

“A lot more people are discovering our unique business here,” she said. “Even those who don’t knit or crochet are really having a blast coming here.”

And for the avid crafters, Kelsey said keeping it local matters.

“If you are a knitter or crocheter, and you really want to support the American sheep industry, and specifically the Nebraska sheep industry, The Fiber Mill is a really fantastic place and way for you to do that.”

Whether you’re stopping for the passport or to buy more crafting supplies, Nebraska’s homesteading roots are on display in Stromsburg.