Fiber and the Spin of the Wheel

Fiber preparation is a new venture for Alpaca Shack. We have bags of raw fiber that were shorn from our animals last May. We store it in our cedar hope chest and during the winter afternoons, we begin the preparation of this beautiful fleece.

John and I each have a container: his fleece is separated for spinning, while I put other clean, crimped locks aside to either sell as raw fiber, or to give to the buyer of the alpaca to whom it belongs.

Last week I took a spinning course in an attempt to learn more about working with this precious commodity. John was immediately intrigued with the rented spinning wheel. Beginners spinners are advised to start with sheep's wool which is not as fine or slippery as the alpaca. There is no oil in alpaca fleece and the length of the fiber (the staple) is shorter-a more difficult spin. Even with sheep's wool, it takes much practice.

The afternoons fly by as we alternate between sorting and spinning. I am amazed how much John enjoys filling his bags with the wispy tufts of alpaca. And I know it won't be long before he will ask to have a try at those enticing pedals!