When it came to what to put inside them for the stuffing, there was no question we would be using wool!

Our stuffing wool comes from local sheep farms and is washed with only biodegradable soap and hot water.  A local mill fluffs up the wool for us and it's perfect for stuffing and pillow making.  Our chicks loved it!  

And because wool is more dense, we only used half of the amount of poly-fill suggested in the pattern which means our fill was actually less expensive that poly-fill!  And wool is much better for you and the environment since wool is biodegradable, sustainable, naturally fire retardant, and dust mites don't like it.

If you'd like wool for your Emotional Support Chicken or any other stuffing project or pillow, we have lots to share! 

https://www.ceceswool.com/home-goods/local-wool-fo...

Contact ceceswoolwholesale@gmail.com for wholesale pricing.

I heard from my sister who wanted to make a little mattress, blanket and pillow to go with the cradle that she was giving to her granddaughter. The cradle has been in the family for years.  We made a wool filled mini mattress and pillow and also sewed together a bamboo and organic cotton blanket.  It was important to my sister that all the components were organic.  No problem!  We had what we needed to make it all work. It came out beautifully!

Here's another sample of a custom request.  We are finishing an heirloom needlepoint pillow from another customer.  We are sewing the fabric back to the needlepoint front, adding a zipper and trim and making a wool filled pillow insert for it.

Requesting a custom order is easy.  Just send an email to ceceswoolwholesale@gmail.com with your request.  Let us know what you want to make, dimensions, fabric you want to use and if you want it filled.  We'll get back to you with a quote and time frame.  You can also call Tess who oversees the production of custom items at (315) 708-8019 if you have any questions. 

There are many sizes of rigid heddle looms to choose from:

Rigid Heddle Looms come in 16", 24", 32" and 48" widths;

SampleIt Looms come in 10" and 16" widths;

Knitters' Looms come in 20" and 28" widths.

Find our more about the looms and pricing here: Ashford Rigid Heddle Looms

ach month we hold beginner classes to show you how to warp and weave on these looms. Afterwards, you can borrow one for a week to finish weaving your scarf. 

You can sign up for classes here: CeCe's Wool Events & Classes

If you decide to purchase a loom from CeCe's Wool, we will wax them and put them together.  The looms are unfinished unless you are purchasing a Knitters' Loom which is lacquered.  The wax we use is a combination of orange oil and beeswax.

After your loom is assembled and waxed, we let you know the loom is ready for pick up, and schedule a one hour session to help you warp your loom for the first time. You take it home ready to weave!

We are always just a phone call, email or visit away if you have any questions.  We also hold intermediate classes for beginning weavers ready to branch out and learn new techniques.

We love weaving on rigid heddle looms and we think you will too!  You can call the shop at (518) 608-6002 or email us at ceceswool@gmail.com if you have any questions - we are here to help!

Our wool pillows start their journey at the Kyle Farm in Avon, NY. 

Photo credit:  Reflections Photography

The Kyle family, including third generation family members Matt and DJ Kyle and Nathan Hatch, have been raising sheep for 30 years and take great care of their sheep and land. Their 1000+ sheep get all their food within 10 miles of the farm and graze on protected farmland in the Genesee Valley Conservancy. 

Shearing time means long days and many hands.  Kyle Farm's experienced shearers work long hours to shear the vast number of sheep.   Shearing is done on plywood boards to keep the wool clean.  

The wool is bagged up and sent for scouring where the wool is gently cleaned through a process of hot water and biodegradable soap.  We make sure that no harsh chemicals are used during the scouring process but it means there's a bit of plant material still in the wool.

The scoured wool arrives at a converted dairy barn at Greenfleece Fiber Mill in Castleton, NY for more processing. Wool locks must be opened up in a picker.  The locks then get combed in a carder and then layered into long batts which are rolled up. 

The downy wool creates heavenly light and fluffy batting, perfect for sleeping pillows. The luscious, soft, batting is hand-stuffed into GOTS  certified organic cotton covers that we sew at a developmental disability work center.  

Why Use wool in bed pillows? 

Dust mites hate wool. Wool breathes and absorbs moisture from the air, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. This amazing natural heating and cooling system also keeps the humidity level low in your pillow which keeps out dust mites. Dust mites seek warm and moist environments, which they can't find in wool, so they stay away. 

Sleep more soundly.  Because wool fiber absorbs moisture, it helps to keep you dry and comfortable.  You are less likely to waken due to sweating when you sleep with a wool pillow.

Natural fire resistant. Wool fiber is naturally fire resistant, ensuring a safe sleeping environment without the use of fire retardant chemicals. 

Wool is better for the environment. Wool is a natural protein based fiber that is biodegradable and can be composted at the end of its life. It breaks down in soil or water and slowly releases nutrients back into the environment and its microfibers do not harm aquatic life.

Get yours today.  Our pillows come in three pillow sizes: standard, queen and king and include a zipper which allows you to remove some of the batting if necessary to adjust them to your personal preference.

We are convinced you will love our pillows as much as we love making them!  We are so sure, we guarantee you will want to keep them.  If not, you can return them and we will refund your payment.

Get yours here: https://www.ceceswool.com/home-goods/made-in-ny-wo...

Hudson Farm and Flea

October 8, 10-4

Museum Village, Monroe, NY

New York State Sheep and Wool Festival

October 15-16 - 9-5 Saturday, 9-4 Sunday

Duchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY

We are located in Building 31, booth 20

Please note that CeCe's Wool retail shop in Guilderland will be closed Thursday, October 13 - October 17.

Fiber Festival of New England

November 5-6, Saturday 9-5, Sunday 9-3

Eastern States Expo

West Springfield, MA

How Wool Helped My Dog Stay Warm!

By Cecilia Tkaczyk

As a sheep farmer, spinner, knitter and general lover of wool, I know what a wonderful fiber wool is.

And I utilized that amazing fiber to help my best friend, Bayou, a coon-hound mix with very little hair and a thyroid problem deal with the coldest winter in history.

My family and I live on a small sheep farm in upstate New York. It’s an old farmstead with a house built about 1850. It’s a challenge to keep our old home warm in the winter, especially during last winter – the coldest winter ever recorded in history.

Our dog also was having a challenging winter. Bayou had a hard time getting and staying warm - even inside the house. He would be curled up on his bed and you could see him visibly shake, most likely because our old house’s floors are cold. Seeing his discomfort I took matters into my own hands and deconstructed his dog bed. I took out the pathetic looking polyester fill pillow and made a new mattress filled with our own wool.

What a difference this made! Bayou no longer shivers and loves sleeping on his wool filled bed. Even the cats join him at times.

Wool makes a wonderful fill for dog beds. It’s like sleeping on a real mattress. If our dogs could talk, I’m sure they would advocate for wool-filled beds! I could tell from how my dog acted, that this was a winner for him!

Why Is Wool Special?

Wool Breathes

Wool is a protein fiber that retains a constant moisture level. When the air is dry it releases moisture. When the air is moist, it absorbs moisture. This natural evaporation and cooling system creates heat. This is why wool keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer.

Wool Regulates Heat

Wool reflects your own body’s temperature and is insulating. On a cold day a wool filled bed will keep your pet warm.

Wool Supports

Older dogs often suffer from arthritis and aching bones and joints. A wool filled dog bed provides cushion and support helping to ease pain.

Dust Mites Hate Wool

Dust mites like warm and damp places. Because wool keeps the humidity level low, dust mites stay away.

Wool Is Anti-Microbial and Anti-Bacterial

Wool fiber is covered in tiny scales that resist germs and dirt and won’t pick up smells.

Wool Is Fire Retardant

Because of it’s natural moisture content, wool is slow to burn. You get a natural fire retardant without adding toxic chemicals to the fiber.

Wool Is Biodegradable and Renewable

Wool lasts a very long time, but is ultimately biodegradable. Old wool can be used as compost in the garden keeping it out of landfills. And its a renewable source. Sheep are sheared at least once a year.

Caring for Wool Mattresses:

A washable outer cover is essential for dog beds. This allows you to clean the outer cover. A wool mattress can be spot cleaned and aired out in the sunshine to refresh the wool.

We all want what’s best for our dogs and the environment. Wool bedding is a superior fill that provides adequate support and warmth to your pets and it’s better for the environment. Seek out wool bedding for your pets. You and your dog won’t be disappointed.

Check out CeCe's Wool My Best Friend dog beds at www.ceceswool.com

Well, here at CeCe’s Wool, every day is a dog day.

We do love dogs. We love how they’re always thrilled to see us, even if we’ve only been gone a few minutes. We love how loyal they are. And we love how they love us just because.

Of course, dog love comes in all shapes and sizes.

In fact, our customers have told us they want more products for dogs of all sizes, so no dog is left out of the wholesome real-wool experience.

And we’re happy to oblige.

Have a bone to pick?

Now you can pick small, medium, and large!

That’s right. The popular bone-shaped Chewie Ewie Dog Toy now comes in three sizes and two colors! So dogs of all sizes can enjoy the wholesome chewy goodness of these soft, wool-filled squeaky toys.

These adorable fabric dog bones are filled with 100% wool from local farms, plus a fun squeaker. With their strong sense of smell, dogs can’t resist this soft corduroy 100% cotton fabric bone filled with natural wool.  

It’s Not Just Wool. It’s a Way of Life.

Thank you for being part of our journey to bring sustainable, 100% local wool products to pets and the people who love them.

Your purchase helps to support people in rural communities and the rural way of life.

As always, thank you!

CeCe and The Sheep

Catnip is thriving on the farm. And the cats love it!

Barkley, our resident cat, decided the pile of catnip I am harvesting made a great resting spot!  You should hear him purring!

Catnip is a member of the mint family. And like most mints, it can easily take over the garden if left unchecked.

We harvest our ‘wild’ catnip when it’s most potent—right before it flowers. Then we hang it from the attic rafters to air-dry naturally. 

After it’s cured, only the flowers and leaves are put in our irresistible mix for our cat toys.

CeCe’s Wool also gets catnip from our farm friends at Elderberry Farm in Sharon Springs. They grow catnip and other herbs organically, with no chemicals or pesticides.

We only use catnip grown locally and keep it as fresh as possible. Our catnip is strong stuff! You can even smell it through the packaging, whether it’s in a plastic bag or container.

This potent blend drives my cats totally crazy. I can’t get them off the table when I’m filling catnip pillows. You should see how excited they get.

How does catnip get cats high? The active ingredient is an essential oil called nepetalactone, which can be found in the leaves of the plant. It must be inhaled in order for it to work its magic. But don’t worry, catnip is non-addictive and safe to eat.

For some reason, though, not every cat is sensitive to catnip. Only a little more than half of all cats are affected by it. It’s also age-sensitive—kittens younger than 8 weeks are not affected by catnip.

All of CeCe’s Wool cat toys are filled with wool from our farm and local catnip—a purrrfect combination! We make little piles of pillows out of our fabric scraps from our pet bed construction and stuff them with wool and our potent catnip mixture.

And what’s next after your cats play with catnip? 

Cat Nap ZZZzzz, of course.

Cats and humans alike will love the Cat Nap ZZZzzz bedding. We take remnants from a natural mattress manufacturer and create a small bed of bliss for kitties (and small dogs too!). It comes in three sizes (S, M, L). The cotton and wool bedding is enclosed in muslin which is covered by a washable 100% cotton pillow cover.  Check it out here:  http://www.ceceswool.com/all-products/cat-nap-zzzz...

Cat Nap ZZZzzz and catnip - a perfect combination!  In celebration of launching the new Cat Nap ZZZzzz product, each purchase comes with a free catnip pillow toy.

And when you sign up to receive CeCe's Wool newsletter, you will receive 15% off on your first order! 

May 29, 2015 – Uniondale, Long Island. Cecilia Tkaczyk, a third-generation farmer who raises heritage sheep and served for two years as a State Senator, has begun a new venture to bring her love of sheep to dogs and their wool-loving owners, while supporting local farmers and rural economic development.

Tkaczyk is launching her new business, CeCe’s Wool, LLC, this weekend at the Pet Expo at the Nassau Coliseum, Saturday, May 30, at booth 217.

CeCe’s Wool, LLC, incorporates locally sourced wool into natural products for pets. The business launches with a focus primarily on dog beds, with plans to expand into toys for dogs and cats.

“I wanted to create a company that focuses on sustainability and support local farms and businesses,” said Tkaczyk. “Our carbon footprint is small but our economic impact will be significant.” Almost all of CeCe’s Wool products are made in upstate New York and incorporate wool from local farms. A portion of the sale of every dog bed will go to support the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities, an organization dedicated to building vibrant, livable rural communities.

Tkaczyk formerly represented five upstate counties in the 46th Senate District: Montgomery, Schenectady, Albany, Greene, and Ulster.

“As I traveled around upstate New York, I met many fellow sheep farmers who don’t have a market for their wool, so they end up throwing it away,” Tkaczyk said. “The idea of using wool as a filling for dog beds dawned on me when my own dog’s bed needed an upgrade. I thought wool would be ideal for our house’s cold floors in the winter -- and my dog loves his new wool-filled bed.”

Wool is nature’s perfect fiber,” says Tkaczyk. “There are reasons wool and wool fiber have been used for thousands of years.”

Wool has superior insulating properties that keep the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer. Wool is a natural and renewable fiber that lasts many years with proper care. Wool also has anti-microbial properties, resists dirt and dust mites, and is biodegradable.

Information about the new business can also be found at ceceswool.com