Alpaca Pines shares upcoming features for 2017

By Anne Eickstadt

REPORTER

Vicki and Bob Donley, owners of Alpaca Pines Farm, got their first alpacas in 2011. They have both Suri and Huacaya alpacas. Suri alpacas have long, slightly curly, very soft, shiny locks. Huacaya alpaca are fluffy.

In 2016, the Donleys added a fiber mill to their farm. They take fibers through the entire process from raw blanket straight off the animal to finished threads and yarn.

Now, Vicki and Bob Donley are readying for an even bigger production in 2017.

First, the Donley’s will begin with classes to teach students about spinning yarn and how the yarn can then be used for knitting and other home economics projects.

“We are doing our first class here on Jan. 14 and 21 at 10a.m. It is a two-day class in using the drop spindle. My friend Laura Adams is teaching it,” Vicki Donley said. “The class will offer information about different types of fibers. You will learn how to spin on a spindle using rovings made of wool and alpaca. No experience necessary. All materials will be provided. Materials include a drop spindle and two ounces of wool and two ounces of alpaca. The class will consist of two, one and a half hour sessions. Fee is $40. You can register by calling (815) 292-3222.”

For those uninterested in spinning their own fiber, they are welcome to just buy the fiber at the Donley’s fiber mill. They are open to the public.

Plus, Vicki and Bob Donley have collaborated with the fair board to bring more alpaca related activities to the 2017 Boone County Fair.

“Bob and I met with the fair board several times and in 2017, the Boone County Fair will be having an alpaca show for the first time,” Vicki Donley said.  “Spun yarn will also be a first in 2017 with two-ply, 50 yard skein, dyed or undyed, or single-ply, artistic, fun yarn.

For more information, find Alpaca Pines Farm on Facebook or go to: www.alpacapines.com.