Sorry about the absence, I’ve actually had lots and lots of things to blog about, but both my boys woke up very sick on Saturday and we are still recovering. We’ve been busy none the less!
Way way back in December we went out to a tree farm in the country to get our Christmas tree. The tree was purchased, and we were driving toward home when I briefly glimpsed — was that a herd of alpacas?? After a U-turn we went and investigated the farm. Indeed, there is an alpaca farm 20 minutes from my home.
Since I didn’t have a spinning wheel at that time I pushed this knowledge aside as “very tempting but not very practical.”
Then I got a wheel for Christmas, and I’ve been more tempted to arrange a visit, but life happened and I never did. Until my good friend Mrs. Fishtrap asked me if I knew of any farms where we might take the kids on a little field trip. An excuse to visit the alpacas!! and I emailed the owner (coincidentally, another Peggy) last week.
So this past Sunday brought us out (camera-less, sorry) to Alpacas at Tucker Creek, where I received my first introduction to these wonderful animals. The boys and I spent a wonderful 2 hours there, meeting some animals, burying our hands in their fleece, and just talking.
After visiting all the animals our talk turned to spinning and knitting. This farm belongs to a cooperative, which means they pool fleeces when sending them to a mill. Peggy was interested in having a local person spin only their own animals’ fleece to be sold in their shop. It’s a little more special to visit a farm and then buy yarn spun from a particular animal you just petted 5 minutes ago. I was game!
So, more serendipity and I walked out with 2 years of blanket fleeces from Franchesca –scroll down and click her name. Check those micron counts: 17.2 and 18.8. Yes my friends, those fleeces are sitting in my bedroom right now.
And alpacas secrete no lanolin, you can process this stuff without washing it!
The fact that I’ve yet to acquire handcards does not disturb me in the least.
I’ve been combing locks with an old plastic hair-comb. Lowtech works for me!
And spinning.
I chose a white fleece so I could dye some too.
This stuff will need to wait for actual carding equipment, but still! Anyone else for spinning a sunrise?
You can bet we’ll be visiting again soon!
W.O.W. That is awesome! Talk about meant-to-be. That stuff looks gorgeous and soft. You’re going to have your hands full spinning now! π Can’t wait to see what comes of it all.
Wow! Do you sleep? Ever?
Even more inspiration….Enjoy spinning that sunset…I can’t wait to see it.
That’s beautiful. And just think…what if you bring back your handspun and have a little shop to sell things…20 minutes from your house. Perfect.
dearest, high yea to the nearest yarn shop in cannon beach and get yourself some combs. it is your birthday present. i was going to get you a gift certificate from there for wool, but it appears what you need are combs, not more fiber. go now, and i will pay for it all. or, perhaps i shall contact the shop and arrange it all for you… what a score you found. that is how i felt when i got all that homespun at a rummage sale for $50, 10 or so years ago. we are both still utilyzing it (although it sat dormant for about 8 years). ever on, dear. dotty
dear, let’s not be hasty. in reviewing your supply, you will need professional capacity carding equipment, i believe. so, instead of highing yeaself to cannon beach, give me a call. we will discuss options. and, your rainbow is lovely. cant wait to see it all. i agree with the note about selling some of your completed work at the alpaca farm. who knew your life would consist of you being a fiber expert, on the local and international scene? just goes to show you never know what ickies open up new opportunities. you are an amazing young woman, my dear. (and i am insanely jealous about your ballet.)
funfunfun!!
Glad to hear the family is on the mend. π As for the spinning, wow! What a great opportunity for all involved! π Can’t wait to see what the dyed looks like spun up.
How very cool is that? I bet you guys had a ball. Your spun alpaca looks great and the sunrise fleece is beautiful!!!!! I have to say, there are some pretty cool Peggys around. π
Unbelievable!!! You really are amazing! So when can I buy some yarn?