I collect sisal from our barn and from our farm neighbors and cut it into 1-inch-long pieces. I cook 2 pounds of sisal cuttings at a low boil for 3 hours in water mixed with . cup of soda ash or enough to achieve a pH level of 11. I rinse the fiber until the water runs clear and beat the cooked fiber in my 2-pound Reina beater. I fill the tub with 10 gallons of water and load the beater at the 40 setting. When I get about a quarter of the fiber into the beater, I take the roll down to the 3 setting and finish loading. This takes a total of 5 minutes. Once all of the fiber is in, I bring the roll down to 1, and check the water and pulp level so it reaches the 11.5-gallon line I marked in the tub with a Sharpie. I beat at the 1 setting for 30 minutes, then take the roll back up to 40 before adding 2 tablespoons of sizing. I let that run for a minute, then I introduce pigment. I check for pigment retention which is excellent with this fiber. If need be, I add about 1 teaspoon of prepared retention aid.

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