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5 Surprising Facts About Cestari Sheep And Wool Company: The Untold Story Of America’s Premier Fiber Mill

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Step into the world of American-made fiber, where tradition meets innovation, and you'll find the Cestari Sheep and Wool Company. As of late December 2025, this family-owned operation continues to stand as a beacon of quality in the textile industry, providing knitters, crocheters, and weavers with some of the finest, domestically sourced yarns available. Far more than just a yarn supplier, Cestari represents a complete farm-to-fiber journey, managing everything from raising their own sheep on their Virginia farm to the meticulous milling and dyeing process.

The company’s dedication to a fully integrated, American supply chain is what sets it apart in a global market. Located in the heart of Virginia’s picturesque Augusta County, Cestari has cultivated a legacy of excellence built on specialized sheep breeding, a unique, lanolin-preserving cleaning process, and a commitment to sustainable practices. This deep dive uncovers the surprising history, unique collections, and forward-thinking initiatives that make Cestari Sheep and Wool Company a cornerstone of the American fiber arts community.

The Enduring Legacy of Francis Chester and the Cestari Family

The story of Cestari Sheep and Wool Company is a classic American tale of entrepreneurship, spanning decades and continents. The roots of the company trace back to the vision of Francis Chester, whose initial foray into the wool trade began far from the rolling hills of Virginia.

While some records suggest the company was established in 1946, the family's journey to becoming a full-scale farm and mill operation crystallized later. Francis Chester and his wife, Diane, initially sold their farm in Mill Neck, New York, before relocating to Virginia in the late 1960s.

This move to the scenic Augusta County, specifically the areas around Churchville and Swoope, marked the true birth of the integrated Cestari operation. They began raising their own sheep and processing the fleeces right on the farm.

A major turning point came in the late 1990s when the Chester family committed to the specialized breeding and development of the Targhee/Columbia Sheep. This cross-breed was specifically chosen to produce a high-end, luxury fiber that forms the backbone of their most popular wool products.

Today, the company remains a small, family-owned and operated entity, upholding the tradition of quality established by Francis Chester while continually innovating in the world of American textiles.

The Unique Fiber Blends: A Deep Dive into Cestari's Yarn Collections

Cestari’s reputation for quality is built on its diverse and meticulously crafted yarn collections, which cater to a wide range of fiber artists. Each collection is a testament to the company's commitment to using 100% American-made fibers, including wool, cotton, and linen.

The Wool-Centric Collections

The cornerstone of the Cestari brand is the fiber sourced from their own flock, which includes Targhee sheep, Columbia sheep, and various Merino-type sheep. The Targhee/Columbia blend is particularly prized for its balance of softness, elasticity, and durability.

  • Traditional Collection: This is Cestari’s "sheepiest" and most natural offering. It is a 2 Ply Worsted Weight yarn made from the Targhee/Columbia wool blend. It is renowned for its excellent stitch definition and natural, durable quality, making it a favorite for sweaters and outerwear.
  • Ash Lawn Collection: Formerly known as the Heather Collection, this line features a luxurious Wool Blend that often incorporates cotton for a unique texture and drape.

The Non-Wool Collections and Blends

Cestari extends its "Made in the USA" ethos beyond wool by sourcing other natural fibers from responsible American farmers, ensuring a low-impact and transparent supply chain.

  • Old Dominion Collection: This collection proudly features 100% U.S.A. Cotton Yarn. The cotton is grown by dedicated farmers in Virginia who practice responsible field rotation, ensuring the health of the land.
  • Monticello Collection: A beautiful and unique blend featuring Cotton and Linen. This collection offers a lightweight, breathable fiber perfect for summer garments and accessories.

All of Cestari’s yarns are hand kettle-dyed on-site in Churchville, Virginia, using non-toxic dyes, further cementing their commitment to an environmentally conscious production process.

Farm-to-Fiber: The American-Made Process and Sustainability Initiatives

The Cestari Sheep and Wool Company operates as a rare, full-service commercial textile mill and farm. This integrated model allows them to maintain unparalleled quality control and implement progressive sustainability practices that are often lost in larger, global supply chains.

The Lanolin-Preserving Mill Process

One of the most distinctive features of the Cestari operation is their unique wool cleaning process. Unlike many large mills that strip the wool of its natural oils using harsh chemicals, Cestari employs a method that carefully preserves the wool’s natural lanolin.

This preservation is crucial. Lanolin is a natural protectant that gives the finished yarn its superior softness, water resistance, and elastic memory. This attention to detail results in a yarn that is not only a pleasure to work with but also inherently more durable and luxurious.

The Cestari Initiative for Humane Sheep Shearing

In a forward-thinking move that demonstrates their commitment to animal welfare, Cestari is actively involved in innovation to improve farming practices. The company is currently working on an invention known as The Cestari Initiative.

This project aims to develop a new method or tool that will significantly reduce the cost of sheep shearing while simultaneously making the process more humane and comfortable for the sheep. This commitment to both the fiber artist and the animal is a hallmark of their ethical business model.

A Focus on Environmental Responsibility

Cestari’s dedication to sustainability is evident in their fiber choices and farming methods. Their use of protein-based wool, a natural and biodegradable fiber, is a direct counterpoint to the prevalence of synthetic, plastic-based fibers in the market.

Furthermore, their sourcing of USA Cotton from farmers who engage in responsible field rotation minimizes the environmental impact of their non-wool collections. By keeping their processes minimally processed and utilizing non-toxic dyes, Cestari ensures that their products are as kind to the planet as they are to the hands of the maker.

For enthusiasts of fiber, agriculture, and American manufacturing, the Cestari farm and mill are open for educational tours six days a week. Scheduling a tour allows visitors to witness the entire farm-to-fiber process firsthand, from the flock of Targhee/Columbia sheep in the pasture to the spinning and dyeing machinery inside the Churchville mill. This transparency is the final, compelling layer to the Cestari story, inviting the community to connect directly with the source of their cherished luxury yarns.

5 Surprising Facts About Cestari Sheep and Wool Company: The Untold Story of America’s Premier Fiber Mill
cestari sheep and wool company
cestari sheep and wool company

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