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Fiber Articles - What to do with your fiber and Why exhibit your llama fiber

• Mitzi's Fiber Journey

• Judy's Fiber Journey (at least an attempt)

• Tom's Fiber Journey

After having llamas for eight years, we are finally beginning to explore and develop using our llama’s fiber. Llama fiber is one by-product of owning llamas that is very enjoyable and useful. There are many ways you can use llama fiber. Some of the ways we have used our llama fiber is shared on the following pages. These are things that we have learned and experimented with. We are by no means fiber or spinning experts but we wanted to share some helpful hints, ideas, and mistakes we have experienced.

 All three of us have tried working with fiber. Judy and I are spinning knitting, crocheting and felting. Tom has developed into quite an accomplished needle felter. He also is working on a loom so he can learn to weave.  

God has richly blessed us by allowing people in our lives that have mentored us and encouraged us to get involved in fiber use, production, and processing. They have instructed, corrected, encouraged, and prodded us into developing and using our skills.

 Heartfelt thanks for you who have mentored us: Susie Smithers, Rollicking Hills Farms; Chereen Thompson, Midwest Fiber Company; LeeAnn King, Midwest Fiber Company; Judy Smith, Five Points Llamas; Greta MacIntyre, Firethorn Farms; and many ORVLA gals.

 Special thanks for the master spinner, weaver, and fiber guru, Billy Bannerman. (our tribute to Billy)  Billy worked with Judy and I for over two years. She was a wonderful teacher and friend. Billy taught us many things about spinning, weaving, animal and organic fiber use, and perseverance. 

All of the hard work from the ladies mentioned above has paid off. I am no longer spinning “Santa beards” but real useable yarn.  Judy is actually moving her arms as she spins. Tom made some really cool Christmas gifts.

 My hope is that some of the information shared will be of help to someone who has wanted to try fiber arts or a novice like me who is just learning. This information has been shared from numerous sources and collected into my “spinning notebook” of things I have learned.

 My advice is don’t give up, keep practicing and trying new things. It took me a long time, working with several teachers, and trying different techniques before something in my brain clicked. Now I can actually say, I work with fiber!!!

 Enjoy your llamas and their llovely fiber!

Mitzi

Good News Llamas