About Us

Our Story

Austin Woollen Mill started in 2023. It was the result of a trip to PEI in 2010.

But it actually started long before that. Both of us were knitters when we were in our 20s, and Lynda kept up the hobby through the years. Around 2007, we were in a yarn store (Golden Willow Natural Fibers in Regina) and made a somewhat impulsive purchase of a spinning wheel. We dabbled with that for a few years, acquiring an alpaca fleece and some second-hand wool.

In 2010, we revisited our honeymoon in PEI. In our quest for finding souvenir yarn, we stumbled across Belfast Mini Mills’ yarn store. Lynda bought her yarn, and Bryan was enthralled with the fibre processing machinery.

It might have ended there, if it hadn’t been for COVID. In 2020, the Manitoba Fibre Festival had to rethink their signature event to fit with social distancing requirements. We had the opportunity to visit various Manitoba sheep farms and fibre studios. Long Way Homestead hosted several vendors for the “Fibre Trail” event, and when we stopped there we took in the short tour of their fibre mill.

That’s where the dream started to take shape. We began researching the equipment, and looking for a location.

In December 2023, Belfast Mini Mills delivered our fibre processing equipment, and the dream has become reality.

Who We Are

Lynda is a long-time knitter who loves to find the perfect yarn for each project. Bryan likes the inner workings of small businesses, and wants to provide local products for local people.

Together we buy fleeces from local producers and create a variety of natural products for your enjoyment.

  • Lynda is the one you will want to talk to about selecting just the right yarn for your project. She can be found in the mill store most of the time.

  • Bryan enjoys the creative process of making yarn. He is the one you will probably talk to if you contact us by phone or email. He is found in the mill most days.

What We Are About

We process natural fibres like wool, alpaca fleece, and angora rabbit fur. When we are done, there is beautiful yarn, felt, or numerous other products you can buy for your crafting hobby.

Our vision is to provide Manitobans with natural products raised and processed right in Manitoba.