One week down and 51 to go.

To start my 52 Weeks of Sheep endeavor, I began with Alpaca.  I’m no stranger to Alpaca as it’s truly one of my favorite fibers to spin, but I was a stranger to Suri Alpaca.  Huayaca has been my go to since I discovered how lovely this fiber is.  Here’s what I noticed as the difference between the two.  Huayaca is fluffier, maybe even a little springier and Suri, while still very soft, was a little flatter, for lack of a better word.   I tend to spin thin and this fiber lent itself to that thin spinning very easily.  Approximately 3 ounces of roving led to 192 yards of two-ply lace-weight yarn.  I still haven’t decided what I’m going to make with it – or any of the fiber I plan to spin this year.  I figure at this point in time, I have enough time to spin, and next year is when I’ll have time to knit, crochet, or felt what I’ve come up with this year.  The one thing that really surprised me was the number of colors that are recognized within each type of Alpaca – I mean who knew a species could have 22 different variations of color?  Certainly not me – but boy, it’s kinda cool that they do!

So what did you spin your first week?  Had you ever spun that type of fiber before?  What was your experience, likes, dislikes?  Is it a fiber you will likely spin again, or are you ok with trying a sample, and leaving the spinning of it to someone else?  Did you learn anything about the breed or fiber that you didn’t already know?

I would love to hear your feedback – either here or on the Facebook group page.  I’d also love to see your photos.

Hello – and welcome to the wonderful world of a fiber addict!

My name is Tammy, and I’m a self-proclaimed fiber addict (although anyone who knows me, would COMPLETELY agree). Little did I know when I saw a woman in small town, Lincoln, MT a few years ago spinning on her spinning wheel, that I would become so passionate about wool, fiber, sheep and yarn?  I mean I’ve always liked sheep, and I’ve been crocheting since I was 8, but passionate is not a word I would have used to describe it… until now!

Now, I have tons of yarn, attend shearings all over the state of Montana, purchase fleeces, send them for processing and anxiously anticipate their return so I can begin spinning them into more lovely yarn.  I’m known to hide a few fleeces here and there (more on THAT part of my addiction later) and have recently begun spinning for Alpacas of Montana in trade for some of the most wonderful Alpaca fiber I’ve ever touched.

I’m just getting started and will have stories, tips, advice, pictures, and patterns shortly.  Until then, I know there are more of you like me out there – so speak up – you’re not alone!  I’d love to hear from you and about your experiences with sheep, fiber, spinning, dying, crocheting, and knitting, as well as any questions you may have for me.  I’m looking forward to sharing with you and getting to know you!

~Tammy