Shearing Day and Open Barn

Flying Fiber!

While I have the chance, in between babies arriving, I want to take a few moments to show some of the wonderful photos and even a video that was taken during our Shearing Festival and Open Barn.   Click here to view the Video

The weather was perfect and we welcomed old friends and new to our barn.  The boys, for the most part, took the indignity of being shorn in their stride.  The girls, however, made their displeasure loudly known by all.  Of course, once released and back on their feet, even the girls liked their new “hairdo” and enjoyed the lightness of having lost their heavy winter coats.  Even our new Cria at 5 days old, got shorn.  (For those who wonder why, it’s because the amniotic fluid from birth adheres to newborn fleece and the only way to get rid of it is to have it shorn.  This means that our first baby of 2012 will have a full coat of superfine fleece come next year’s shearing festival.)

Halfway Through!

Our Shearing Team was phenomenal and worked solidly through the weekend hours, hardly taking a break.  With so many people in such a small space, all focused on one animal, it is remarkable how they worked together without bumping into each other.   It’s definitely a sight to be seen if you missed it this year.

For visitors who wanted a little more, we had crochet classes, weaving demos and, of course, our Alpaca Shoppe and Fiber Studio.  Making coasters was not as easy as our instructor, Brittany, made it look.  However, everyone who tried completed their project and, although some of them didn’t look quite the same as Brittany’s, a good time was had by all. 

It's going to be OK

So, thank you to everyone who came to see us, worked with us, and celebrated with us.   We look forward to next year’s Shearing Day and welcome any suggestions for additional activities or experiences.  Alpaca photos were taken by Beamie Young and the video was taken by Nella Farley.

That Feels Better