New Business Offers Home Spun Recreation

Sheep and lambs are thought of for their bleating, almost crying, but seldom laughing, until now.

Mark and Tiann Goll are opening a fabric and spinning business in Sidney, "Laughing Lamb Fibers."

Spinning class isn't just for health enthusiasts. It is something to be enjoyed, with a smile, sometimes a laugh. That is the vision of the Golls, to offer fabric and spinning as a fun recreation and social activity.

The Golls trace their history in spinning to seeing a video on YouTube, which then caused a curiosity that developed into a passion.

"I saw a YouTube video on spinning," Tiann Goll said. "I was intrigued."

They stopped at a yarn store in Fort Collins, Colo., then later took a second view of the video. She realized she wanted someone to teach her how to spin wool and silk well. Her husband offered one of his investments for her to start her new recreation.

"I sold a rifle to buy a wheel," Mark said.

Mark's history is internet business.

"I love building businesses," he said.

The chance recreation developed into a home-based business which then moved to an 800 square foot facility and then to a 1,200 square foot flex office. They are moving the business from Loveland to downtown Sidney.

"We have probably one of the largest selections of rare wool," he said.

He said they buy wool from Australia, England and other global markets, as well as blends such as bamboo. They also offer some US breeds of wool, and luxury varieties such as Yak and Alpaca.

"We sell different silks too," he said.

They added classes and spinning events, encouraging people of all interests and skill levels to be part of the spinning community.

"We had lots of classes, events in the evening," she said.

In addition to the countless varieties of wool and fabric offered, Laughing Lamb is also a distributor.

"We're dealers for four different companies of spinning wheels and looms," he said.

They came to Sidney after a lot of research of the community, he said. The research included where they could open business. The first didn't quite fit their vision. The second, however, fit their needs.

"It just clicked," he said.

He said their business doesn't require them to have a storefront. They want to be part of the community.

"We ship to all 50 states," he aded.

He said one of the reasons they chose is they want to be part of the good change and opportunity they see coming.

The Golls are planning a grand opening for Laughing Lamb, 925 Illinois St., for 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 13.