- NEWS - It was a great show in 2018. Thanks to all the volunteer power and amazing fans that make this one of the best fiber festivals in the U.S. Keep checking https://sheepandwool.com/schedule/ for the latest Festival Schedule. When our 2019 sched is ready, it’ll be there (check the dates). See you again in October!
Spinning Alpaca Intensive is a six hour class that focuses on the beauty and versatility of alpaca fleece.
Class will start with a brief history of the alpaca and an in depth discussion of alpaca fleece types, grades, colors, characteristics, and fleece styles. We will further explore how the age of the alpaca, its health, shearing, housing, herd management and the environment will impact fleece quality. Many samples will be offered for review to back up the material presented.
Discussion and hands on learning will be used to allow students to develop skills to select the appropriate alpaca fleece for their desired use. All alpaca, after all, is not created equal with six grades of fleece and each alpaca shearing prime, seconds and thirds which needs to be skirted and sorted for optimal use. Further crimp/lock style varies greatly in alpacas and that information will help the spinner make informed choices regarding yarn choice.
Participants will receive samples of fleece types and grades and practice spinning samples in both worsted and woolen depending on the appropriateness of the fleece sample. Spinning from the lock, carding, combing and fleece preparation will be discussed and hands on demonstrations will be given.
Participants will be provided both raw and processed alpaca fleece for spinning in a variety of grades and fleece styles. The class will finish with a discussion of popular alpaca blends versus 100% alpaca. We will discuss the viability and use of these popular blends and students will be given samples of alpaca/merino, alpaca/silk, alpaca/angora and alpaca/bamboo to spin during class.
I have been a spinner for what seems a lifetime and a spinning teacher for the last 10 years working with both beginners and experienced spinners. I have personally raised alpaca for 14 years and have maintained a herd of 100 animals for the last 10 years, this makes me uniquely qualified to teach this class.
Skill level: Must be able to spin a continuous yarn on either a wheel or drop spindle.
