I raised a small fiber herd of Huacaya Alpacas and use their beautiful fleece.
I was born in Michigan and raised on a dairy farm. As a youngster in 4-H clubs, I learned to crochet and knit, in addition to showing dairy heifers at the fair. My mother was an amazing quilter and seamstress, she could also crochet and knit. She spent many hours trying to improve my skills. My paternal Grandmother crocheted and my maternal Grandpa was a doilie maker. I cherish my precious memories of hours spent with my loved ones as we worked on projects, and used their love of fiber arts as my inspiration.
During a visit to the New Mexico State Fair, my husband and I attended an Alpaca Show; one look at those beautiful animals and I was hooked! We decided we would raise a small herd of Huacaya alpaca fiber animals, and our dream "Rancho de Los Sueños" was born. I attended Northern New Mexico College, learning to spin, weave, dye yarn using natural dyes, and I helped to build my first Rio Grande walking loom. That was over 20 years ago;
We no longer have an alpaca herd and we have relocated to Florida, but we still have a garage full of fiber. I now weave and create scarves on a Schacht Cricket loom, and make rugs and wall hangings on Rio Grande walking loom. I also own a beautiful SpinOlution spinning wheel that I have yet to master. My small project bags always have something fun waiting to be completed.
