Bison Down

Our local bison shop, Bison World, saves the shed down from their herd for the local spinners. I picked up a 1.4# bag today. I've read about how dirty it can be, so on the way home, I also purchased a yard of tulle. when I got home, I dug up a long zipper and fashioned an enormous garment bag.

Instincts told me I should really dump the fiber into the bag outside. Add to that- the initial rinse should be with a garden hose outside!
I'm finding little sticks, clumps of mud I thought were rocks, and leaves initially. I knew it would be a lot of work. This is going to be a running blog as I work on this project. My main concern is spinning short fibers. So far, I've tried some 1 1/2" fibers and had to stop. I may blend this with a longer fiber, but that involves getting a drum carder.