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I have been working on increasing my stock for craft shows and for Alpaca Farm Day. I had a great time ordering all kinds of alpaca items including bears, shawls, hats, gloves, and socks. It was like Christmas when it all arrived. If you are looking for some great gift ideas give me a call.
As for my fiber arts projects I have had a great time designing purses lately. I set up my wet felting table on the back porch. It gives me a sentimental feeling to be able to watch my beautiful alpacas in the fields as I use their fiber to make things. It really is a neat feeling to know that I was there to care for them, to shear them, to clean and card the fiber (although I will admit my mother has helped with the cleaning and carding a lot this summer), and then to wet felt the fiber.
I cannot wait until it is cold enough to change purses and use this one. I have to admit, I think this one will be mine. I really feel in love with it.
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Any farmer will tell you that last year was not a good year for hay. I am sure that the alpacas would say the same thing. The hay last year had tons of weeds in it and was not much to their liking. They would pick out what they liked and I would compost the rest. Maybe that is the reason that Hannah immediately met us as we pulled the trailer to the hay barn. She immediately stuck her nose it it and ate. I knew she was happy with this hay because she did not want to leave the side of the truck.
She even got Cupcake curious, but Cupcake had a harder time reaching the hay in the trailor
Our son always brags that he has been an alpaca farmer for 3 years (he is only 5, but has honestly been the best farm helper we have). He was working right along side of us as we loaded the hay in the shed. He even helped us get some of the hay we dropped into a pile for the alpacas to enjoy.
It was an extremely hot day and it felt good to get the hay done. Air conditioning here we come. I do not know how farmers survived before the invention of air conditioners. I know I could not have.
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Today I was asked "what is so special about alpaca fiber". Well I will post the answer, because anyone who wants to know about alpacas must understand the fiber. After all, we are alpaca "farmers" and our "crop" is that lovely bag of fiber we have shorn off the alpacas each year. For beginners, alpaca fiber comes in 22 recognized natural colors, including white,fawn, brown,silver grey, black, and rose gray. The fiber itself is warmer than wool, but soft like cashmere. Many people who are allergic to wool are not allergic to alpaca, since alpaca fiber does not have the lanolin. Products made from alpaca fiber are very durable and can become a family heirloom. Alpaca products are water resistant, are great insulators (since the fiber has microscopic air pockets), and are extremely comfortable.
The fiber is sought after by handspinners, weavers,and those who knit or crochet. Felters also appreciate the special characteristics of alpaca fiber. Alpaca fiber can be felted useing the wet felting method or the needle felting method. In both methods the fibers are knotted, thus producing a felted piece. Lately I have enjoyed making stockings, hats, and purses out of the fiber. Below are pictures of 4 of the stockings I have made recently.
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I have had new alpaca owners and prospective buyers ask me "so, what exactly is crimp?". This is what the bag of Noelle's fiber looked like and this picture should answer your questions. Of course you still have to look at density, micron count, and staple length (all of which Noelle is superior in. Yes, I had to brag a little. But that is why she won 1st place at the 2006 Breeders Choice and a 2nd place ribbon at the 2006 VA State Fair.
This picture shows a close up of a small portion of the fiber. I bet you wish you could have a sweater made of this...I wish I did, also. One day I will learn to spin and knit sweaters, maybe.
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