Snuggle Wrist Cuffs and Yarn Substitution
This was a FREE knitting pattern I picked up at JoAnn Fabrics, also available on the Lion Brand website, and Ravelry. It is an easy beginner’s pattern. I substituted one…
Washing and Combing Suri Fiber for Doll Hair
Doll makers from all over the world have purchased Suri Alpaca Fiber from us, and frequently I get asked how to wash and comb the fiber. Though I have washed…
New Home for Alpacas at Broken Spirit Ranch
Blazen Spirit of Lady Liberty, the first cria born on our farm, has moved to a new farm in Tennessee.
Free Crochet Pattern – Elf Slippers
Tis the season to be crocheting up some Elf Slippers! This super cute crochet pattern was designed by KJ Hay and calls for a bulky weight yarn and and a…
Free Crochet Pattern – Lost In Time Alpaca Shawl
I used the pattern called Lost in Time on the Mijo Crochet website for this beautiful alpaca shawl. Johanna Lindah, who designed this pattern, lives in Sweden, and has included 12…
Male Alpacas Establish Pecking Order
It is true that alpacas are quiet and peaceful. However, when it comes to male alpacas there is a pecking order, and sometimes they fight to determine who’s going to be…
Gaywool Dye Instructions
Gaywool dye is formulated specifically for raw or spun natural fibers. Gaywool Originals & Bush Blends are all-in-one acid dyes which have the acid component and the leveling agent essential to stabilize the dye bath at the correct ph level. The formulation includes the mordant and dye bath acidifier and thus includes all that is necessary to produce true to type color fast dyeing.
Gaywool Dyes Have a Colorful History
When it comes to dyeing alpaca, I love Gaywool Dyes! From Australia, no additives are required, the mordant and acidifier are already in the Gaywool dye formula. They are easy,…
Cleaning Suri Alpaca Fiber for Doll Wigs
In each of our pastures, there is a bare spot where our alpacas like to roll. It must really feel good, but they do get very dusty. The suri fiber we sell gets tumbled which helps get much of the dust out, then rinsed multiple times. As you can see in the video, there still is some muddy water when washing it again. Each step of the processing is a step towards cleaner fiber.
Free Crochet Pattern – Simple Ridged Fingerless Mitts
This is a simple crochet pattern for fingerless mitts using our Snuggle Yarn. The color pictured is called Knot of Naturals. All but the foundation row uses half double crochets, with…
Learn How To Spin With A Drop Spindle
I had learned how to spin on a spinning wheel, but not a drop spindle. My daughter had figured out how to spin with a drop spindle, and my neighbor,…
Thursdays in the Alpaca Barn
Thursday is my day in the alpaca barn, my turn to do farm chores. Of course chores get done every day, but Thursday is my day, and today I think…
Tour our Farm Store
Holiday Hours in the Farm Store are Wednesday thru Sunday, 12pm-5pm, through the end of the year. Take a look at what you might see by clicking below. …
Free Crochet Pattern – Squish Cowl
I love this pattern by Tamara Kelly that she calls her Squish Cowl. She uses a special stitch called Split Bullion Stitch that involves yarning over six times which creates…
Free Crochet Pattern – Striped Triangular Shawl
SKILL LEVEL Easy HOOK 4.0 mm (G) MATERIALS Total of 512 Yards of Astral Yarn This pattern is a good one for using up leftover yarn, which is what I was…
Needle Felted Bears
I’ll be teaching a Bear Needle Felting Class at the farm this weekend. For those of you attending, or trying this at home, I’ve put together a collection of needle…
Free Crochet Pattern – Swizzle Alpaca Ribbed Scarf
I use this pattern by Prague Loop over and over. This scarf was made with our 100% Alpaca Swizzle Yarn, which has been discontinued since I first wrote this post. Any…
Free Crochet Pattern – Dixie Alpaca Charm Shawl #2
For the second Dixie Alpaca Charm Shawl, I used three different yarns, one our Swizzle Alpaca Yarn, color Plum Perfection, our Astral Yarn, color Libra, and our Classic Baby Alpaca Yarn, color called…
Free Crochet Pattern – Dixie Alpaca Charm Shawl
You’ll love working with our Swizzle Alpaca Yarn, Astral Yarn, and Classic Baby Alpaca Yarn as you crochet this pretty shawl. The pattern is an easy one for any beginning crocheter, and it is free!
Summer Sale Days Pictures
It all started when my daughter Abby said, “you ought to invite some other vendors” for our Summer Sale Days! We both got busy and in a relatively short amount…
Felted Purses and Other Great Bags
Enjoy my Pinterest collection of Felted Purses and other Great Bags! See my blog post on Wet Felting Purse Tips or take a Wet Felting Purse Class at Alpaca Meadows. If there is not one scheduled, gather a few friends, contact me and together we’ll schedule a class on a date and time that works for you.
How to Make a Suri Alpaca Doll Wig
Find out how to make a Suri Alpaca Weft for Doll Hair Wigs using techniques using several techniques much easier and less time consuming than rerooting can be.
Felted Flowers
This Saturday, I’ll be teaching a Wet Felting Fancy Flower Class. This Pinterest board of Felted Flowers are some of my favorites! Hope you’ll find inspiration here too. See my…
Learning to Knit – Getting Started
You have what you will need, basically your yarn and some needles, a comfortable chair and good lighting. You’re relaxed, and you’re ready to get started knitting. Learning to knit,…
Free Knitting Pattern – Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf
This Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf is a pattern I like to use when teaching people how to knit. This pattern is from the Purl Soho website. I have adapted the…