Upcoming Events of Interest

Notes from the Alpaca Show

   Several members attended the Illinois Alpaca Show April 8-9.  Among the interesting items we learned:

1. There are two distinct kinds of Alpaca and the yarns have very different characteristics…hence the controversy over dyeing.
2. Suri alpaca fleece grows in a spiral and is extremely soft, silky and looks wet.  One breeder said Suri yarn could not be used as warp as it would pull apart.  Another did not recommend Suri for clothing, as the hanging weight of the fabric would cause the garment to stretch and come apart.  Another breeder did not entirely agree with this but did agree that Suri should be mixed with other fibers for durability. 
3. Huacaya alpaca fleece grows with a sharp crimp instead of the soft spiral of Suri.  It is much more durable yet still warm & soft.  It does not have the silky feel of Suri.  Both have the closed cell structure but all agreed the Huacaya could be spun into a much more durable yarn.
4. Several breeders said Huacaya alpaca could be dyed any color desired.  Suri breeders were less likely to say that Suri yarn would hold color when dyed.  Some  said the Suri natural colors were so beautiful, there was really no reason to dye it an “unnatural” color.
5. If you are interested only in the fleece for yarn, a nonbreeding male can be purchased for less than $500 or even free in some cases.  A breeding female costs between $10,000 and $60,000.
6. The show veterinarian told us that the only way to tell the female alpaca is pregnant is that she starts spitting at the males!
7. American breeders are required to indicate if a yarn product is 100% Alpaca but products from Peru may be mixed with other fibers and still be labeled 100% Alpaca.

Future Events

FAME Fiber Artists May Retreat is May 20 at Camp Wokanda.  If you need a registration form, let Margo know. There is a $5.00 fee.

Three Sisters Farm Heritage Days

   1^st Annual Antique Tractor and Equipment Show will be August 19-20 at Three Sisters Park, 17201 North State Route 29 in Chillicothe IL.  Check out the web site for all the many activities.  www.threesisterspark.com .    Guild members agreed to participate by helping with weaving demonstrations.  Jennie Hawkey will be circulating a sign up sheet.

FOR SALE

  Union rug loom, 36 Inch weaving width; two harness with two treadles.  Includes warping board, warping reel, shuttles, and “lots” of yarn.  $400.00

   Call Nora Hughes at 309-272-5216.

Another Recipe By Popular Demand

(Thanks to Cheryl Suckow)

            Fruit Dip 

8 oz cream cheese

1 Heath bar (crushed)

1 TBL brown sugar (or to taste)

Blend all in blender or mixer.

Serve with fruit of choice.

This was a big hit at our Overshot Workshop Potluck!

Weaver’s Tip