Alpacazonia Fiber Collection Pilot Project – Update 1st July 2011
We’re at 350 lbs since project launch three weeks ago, with the help of alpaca fiber producers in CA & AZ…join us, if you own alpacas in these two states, to help meet our 2,000 lb goal by mid July deadline!
We can do this! Sorting for length is doable! It just takes time and determination.
Earning $1.50 lb for otherwise unwanted alpaca fiber means we can now cover some herd maintenance overhead costs – it’s a good beginning and we now have our foot in the door to establish USA alpaca fiber production on a commercial textile level – with the producer paid first in the development of alpaca end products via established USA manufacturers.
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Current Participating Alpaca Owners:
Sandra Wallace - Alpacas at Crossroads Ranch - Paso Robles, SLO County. 805-237-9640 swallace@rain.org “CEO” of project, & Resident Sorter. Dave Wallace – Tumbler in Chief.
Daphne Capaldi - Alpacas at Capaldi Ranch - Paso Robles, SLO County 818-515-2216 daphne@capaldiranch.com
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Cindy Hager – Heaven Can Wait Alpacas Victor Valley in San Bernardino Co. 760-949-8324 hcwalpacas@yahoo.com
Shirley Ritter & Lisa Ritterbuck – Alpacas at Wind Dance Avila in SLO Co. 805-595-2693 winddance@charter.net
NEWS:
Beckie Perrell is traveling from Placer Co. on the I-5 this week, plus other freeways, and will be returning North from San Diego on July 12. Call her on her cell listed above to arrange meet up, in order to send your clean sorted fiber up to Paso Robles. We will inspect and weigh bags here, then cut you a check for $1.50 per lb. Put any necessary I.D. on a file card, plus your determined weight and place in each of your clear plastic bags. Compress air out of large bags for easier transport. If sending several small bags, press or suck out air with a vacuum and seal in box for less cargo space. Beckie is driving a Yukon.
Daphne Capaldi will loan Alpacazonia Fiber Collection project a battery operated calibrated livestock scale…once we know exactly how much additional fiber needs to be collected closer to our deadline. Dave and I will make a run in our livestock trailer, prior to baling, to meet sellers at key locations, inspect fiber bags, weigh and pay $1.50 lb. on the spot. No date(s) set yet.
Daphne has made one run down south to collect and purchase raw fiber at $.50 lb usable, and then she’s sorting to specs and tumbles fiber clean and sells to project at S1.50 lb.
She's placed her tumbler indoors and put up a pop-up tent with plastic sheet sides to contain the dirt and 2nd cut or too short fiber pieces dropping out of it. A floor fan keeps all unwanted debris from invading her greater workshop sorting and fiber storage areas.
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Cindy Hager is constructing what she’s dubbed “Fleece Baskets” out of PVC. She’s going to use canvas or mesh to form sides, to hold her fiber bags. I’m guess’n 5’ x 5’ x 4’. Very cool! I need several! A good way to tidy up your shop, garage or barn and keep your fiber storage chaos under control!
Photo by Cindy HagerKeep sorting your clip(s) everyone – for now and for the future! Contact someone on the list and see if you can network together with them to sort, collect and sell.
It will take more than a village!
Photo by Laurie DonnellyPeruvian Women weaving together prolifically. Notice those on the sidelines doing nothing but watching and waiting for the spectacular results, missing out on the real fun and experience...
…hint, hint
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