Shearing Day 2012

Shearing Day 2012 was a beautiful day!  I am so happy to be able to say this, because more often than not we shear on rainy days.  Our favorite shearer  was with us, Michael Banks from New Zealand.  He is is a fast and accurate shearer putting very little stress on our animals. We had a great crew of friends out to help and it was a busy day.  I was so proud of how well we had our cria fleeces blown out,  It was a lot of work but it did pay off.  I need to weigh the clip and then it will be time to dive into fiber.  I am still looking for a good mill if you have any suggestions.

The alpacas were treated to fresh , new, green pastures after shearing . . .I know they are happy!

Fabric with an alpaca design you can order!

Here is a link to Alpaca fabric designs that you can order.  I designed these because I can never find fabric with alpacas on it.  Enjoy, if you  to order some go through Spoonflower.
Alpaca Lady

Buster before and after shearing!

The Day After Shearing

I think I am more tired than ever.  Shearing has a way of zapping you.   This morning our  little "bendies" went loping and pronking out into the back pasture.  They loved their new found freedom.  Our whites are truly white, blacks such a true black, and the browns are beautiful.  It almost feels like we have a new set of animals. 
In the windy night a tree fell on our back fence.  My husband was able to fix it nearly back.  It seems there is always something on the farm.
My basement is  full of bags of fiber, opened up  in front of the dehumidifier.  In the spare room are 5 show fleeces opened up to dry.  I have to get this fiber dried out!   I'll let you know how long it takes.
Alpaca Lady

Shearing Day

Today was Shearing Day!  It is a day I anticipate every spring, with some dread, but mostly with great joy.  That dread is of all the preparation and extremely tiring work, the joy is for  the unveiling of the beautiful fiber our alpacas have been growing all year.  I love to see what the year has brought.  We sheared over 80# of fiber from our 15 alpacas.  Some of the fiber is okay, but most of it is outstanding.  This year, two of my premium fleeces were pre-sold.   I am happy that we have sold the fleeces, but a bit envious of the buyers, as these fleeces are crying to me  to touch and spin. 

We had a new shearer this year.  I liked the careful attention to detail and the slower pace.  I especially liked the animal being on a table instead of on the floor. Much of the skirting I do in the cottage was done right there on shearing table.   My back lasted the entire day, since I was not on the floor.   Rich prefers a faster pace and thought the work on his end was tougher.  I think we all would have been more pleased had the weather been nicer.  the morning started out fine but it was not long before the rain was beating down.  The storm continues tonight.  I believe when all is said and done we should have gotten over 5 inches of rain.  Ugh, Mud!  Little Buster got the chills after shearing.  we put a coat on him and he seems, once again, to be happy.

A very long day,
Alpaca Lady

Shearing

The last couple of days have been very busy! Sunday we took the leaf blower and blew out the alpacas' fleeces. It is such a dusty, dirty job, but so necessary. I was virtually covered in dust. It was a grey and moist day and the alpacas looked like wet mop heads. Blowing them out helped dry the fleeces and really fluffed them up.
Monday, the weather was cool, but dry (TG). Our wonderful neighbors came to help with the shearing. They help every year and we are very greatful. Mary Beth and Joe came and helped, learned and pitched in. They own 5 alpacas that board here. It was a great crew. After shearing nearly 90 pounds of fiber, we fed everyone lunch, which included Rich's famous potato salad. I can't tell you how tired I am today.
The fiber, this year looked extremely well nourished, longer and with more crimp. We were pleased. I believe I saw grey on Pippilotta's legs!