It's easy to feel intimidated by raw (unwashed, straight off the animal) fleeces. However, with some basic knowledge under your belt and realising that YOU have the upper hand, a whole new relationship with fiber begins. There is no need to fear those filled bags any longer, at the end of this class you'll be able to open them up and get to work, letting your imagination and creativity guide you. This class is designed for ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS, building a solid foundation from which to expand into whichever direction you choose. What you learn in this class are the exact same techniques that I use in my own studio, presented in an easy to understand format. By the time you go home you'll feel confident and inspired. However, be prepared for a lot of hands on work, as you learn best by doing. This is definately not a boring sit-down class!

Part I: FLEECE SELECTION & DYEING (3 hours)
We begin this class with a round table introduction to alpaca fleeces from a processing stand point - which are suitable to do by hand and which should be sent to the mill? The rest of the morning is then spent doing several activities:

	skirting an alpaca fleece as a group
	washing a piece of fleece using Unicorn Power Scour
	dyeing the washed fleece with professional acid dyes
	laying the dyed fiber out to dry

Part II: CARDING (3 hours)
The next step in hand processing is preparing the washed and/or dyed alpaca fiber for spinning and felting by opening up the lock structure and aligning the fibers in a process called 'carding'. The carders we'll be using are Strauch Petites and I'll give you an overview of carder terminology, how it works, and why the Strauch line of drum carders are so perfect for alpaca. During this class you will learn:

	carding 100% alpaca
	carding an embellished batt
	creating your own roving using a diz
	creating rolags on a drum carder

During the course of the class we will talk about different blending fibers and blending methods, sparkle, packaging, and pricing.

Materials:
All class materials including fiber and gloves are provided, but you may like to bring a pen (notebook provided).


Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes, and clothing you don't mind getting dirty
- A camera is always handy, and besides, you may want to share your creations with your Facebook friends during class
- Bring business cards to share - after all, we need to create a support network!

At the conclusion of the class you'll be able to purchase materials to take home including power scour; dyed blending fibers; sparkle and embellishings; and drum carders. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.

Drum carders are shipped via UPS ground directly from the Strauch warehouse and usually arrive within 2-3 days. All carder purchases include tools, clamps, shipping, and $50 worth of product of your choice that you can take home right away so that you're ready to start when your carder arrives.

About Roo Kline A graphic artist by trade, Roo Kline became involved with alpacas in 2006 and shortly after purchasing her own herd in early 2007, the 'Moonwood Farm' fiber studio was launched, gathering a following of spinners and fiber artists who fell in love with her luxuriously handcrafted spinning fibers and supplies. Since 2010 Roo has been teaching her personal techniques and style to others, especially those who love and/or raise alpacas.      She was the creator of Alpaca Fiber Solutions and judges the occassional Fiber Arts & Skein competition and spin-off. She has instructed at Magical Farms, fiber festivals and alpaca shows, local yarn shops, has been featured on several videocasts, has provided her spinning fibers for classes of renowned spinning teachers and has written fiber related articles for American Livestock Magazine. She lives with her husband and 10 year old son in Huntsville, AL. Email Roo Roo on Facebook Moonwood Farm on Facebook

images on this page (c) 2007-2015 Roo Kline, Vicki Ramsey, and Alpacadabra Ranch