Spinning Alpaca Fiber (Fleece)

[@brandii3046]

This is the best explanation I have found. I couldn't figure out why my spinning looks not slick and smooth using my drum carder. I have been so frustrated trying to get my alpaca fiber smooth and aligned. I have almost given up trying to spin until tonight...and we have alpacas!!! Thank you for this video, truly appreciated this.

[@SweetLife529]

Great video! Thank you ladies 🐑

[@tarabutler4067]

Even though I am familiar with most of this information, it is so clearly explained in this video. Examples of woolen versus worsted prep is brilliant! Thank you.

[@m2ym2y99]

What a wonderful, informative video! Thank you 🙂

[@TheBootstrapBoutique]

This is so cool! I have a friend who just bought a spinning wheel, I can't wait to show her this video.

[@ButterfieldAlpacaRanch]

Thanks! I'm sure she will enjoy the conversation. :)

[@cindymaag4212]

Okay ... I love Emonie! What a knowledgable and experienced woman. Emonie has the gift of teaching.

[@ButterfieldAlpacaRanch]

+Cindy Maag Yes, she really is fabulous! 😊

[@onegreenev]

Im learning to spin for a later project. In the mean time my Daughter gave me a couple different samples of wool and the second samples are actually real nice. Grabby but nice. I also had the chance to pick up a 5# Llama Fleece that still needs cleaned, picked and carded or combed. Not sure which way I will go but maybe I should try both. I find the Llama is a bit slippery and needs real good twist compared to the wool. I do tend to spin tight thin yarns so far. Spinning thick feels awkward. I have two wheels. One a double drive and the second a single drive with Irish tension. I like the double drive one better so far. I also made a small hand spinner that flicks off the tip. With that it is slow but I have good control of the twist with the Llama. Im going to try tomorrow how to do Navaho Plying with the little I have done so far. Just practicing lots of techniques. I like the Llama fleece to work with. I have been playing with dirty fleece bits and just pulling out fiber with my hand in small bits sort of like happens with a comb. It helps align the fibers for spinning. Been working fine. Was wondering why comb in the first place. Fibers are about 3 to 4"in length. Great pastime to learn. Hope to give finished yarn to my daughter to knit up something for me or make a little project on the loom.

[@karenbehymer3634]

Wonderful - this makes me want to experiment with various fibers and get to know them, start to finish! Thank you.

[@fanny586]

Love your videos! Scripting, notes, more videos and/or process photos would be fabulous!

[@SuziQZ]

I love alpaca fiber. So nice and soft. Excellent video by the way. I actually totally understand worsted and woolen... after 3 years! Just got my first wheel ever a month ago. Still spin on my drop spindles 😕can not get the hang of the wheel.

[@ButterfieldAlpacaRanch]

+Suzi Q I'm learning on the wheel now. Still in the frustration stage. But I must say that I didn't get passed the frustration stage with the drop spindle. It's still all new to me. I guess we'll get good at it together.

[@ButterfieldAlpacaRanch]

What has your experience been like spinning alpaca? Did you blend it with another fiber as well?

[@-ckie-1047]

😊

[@gailcolangelo8213]

First of all thank you for your most detailed views of working with Alpaca fiber. Yours is the best information I have found so far. This is my 4th video and only one question to ask,,,In regard to blending the Alpaca with sheep wool, would you blend in the carding stage, spinning stage or it doesn't matter?

[@ButterfieldAlpacaRanch]

Thank you so much. For blending, the carding stage is most common.

[@PG-wz7by]

I follow Emonie on IG. Nice to see her here!

[@ButterfieldAlpacaRanch]

😊 Emonie is wonderful!!

[@debjewett7279]

excellent information.

[@LynnScholes]

What % is a good blend alpaca to wool?

[@maxmontreal447]

How about cleaning a garment or piece of clothing made of Alpaca, what type of cleaning would you use? Would it shrink?

[@ButterfieldAlpacaRanch]

It would not shrink but there is a possibility of felting. Clean in cold water (gentle cycle preferably) with a gentle detergent and lay flat to dry. Alpaca is naturally stain and odor resistant so harsh detergents are not necessary.

[@irinablehm2918]

What kind of spinning well on this video?

[@ButterfieldAlpacaRanch]

Hansen Crafts mini spinner

[@cacatr4495]

Your pal kinda lost me on the details of the word Worsted. Here's where more detailed learning comes in, I think. There were words I didn't know. :-/

[@ButterfieldAlpacaRanch]

That is why I interviewed someone on the subject. I don't speak the spinner's language so I brought in someone who does. The seeming lack of details here may be because the target audience is spinners and not knitters, crocheters, or weavers. It sure did peak my interest in spinning though! 🙂