Monthly Archives: May 2012

(Insert yarn name here)

Posted on May 15, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

As you probably know, one of my favorite parts of spinning is coming up with an appropriate (or not so appropriate) name for my newly created yarn. Yet sometimes, I am just not inspired. This is one of those times. … Continue reading →

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An ode to Moms

Posted on May 14, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

This post is dedicated to the person who always has your back… The one who stands guard over you when you are little, and sometimes when you are bigger too… She may ignore you occasionally (but you probably deserve it)… … Continue reading →

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Through thick and thin

Posted on May 11, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

I’ve been having yarn weight mood swings this week. Last night I spun around 100 more yards of “Black Lace” yarn. Look at it next to the “Rocker Gurl” bulky yarn. Hard to believe I spun them both on the … Continue reading →

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Cat rebellion part 2

Posted on May 10, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

I guess Jare’s misadventures didn’t end with him chasing them all into the barn after all. He called to tell me the story before the day was over, but Tiki had one more surprise for him that evening. When he went into … Continue reading →

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Shearing day preparations

Posted on May 9, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

Shearing day is next Tuesday! It’s one of the most important days of the year for our ranch, and we prepare accordingly. Though this year may be a bit more hectic than usual since Mom and Dad won’t be getting back … Continue reading →

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Rocker Gurl Yarn

Posted on May 8, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

I’ve been thinking about the design of this yarn for so long that I actually thought I HAD spun it already. I don’t really love pink, as a rule, but I picked up this rich and colorful silk roving over a … Continue reading →

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The great cat rebellion of 2012

Posted on May 7, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

Oh lo, how we shall remember these days. Days when those perfectly trained cats did strike out on their own, did shuck off the shackles of loving repression, and hiss in the face of tyranny. In short: they ran away from … Continue reading →

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Random fiber word of the day: pilling

Posted on May 4, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

When short fibers work themselves out of yarn or fabric and are subject to abrasion, they form little balls of fiber called pills. No doubt you’ve noticed them forming on your favorite hat or sweater over time. Washing clothing inside … Continue reading →

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A recommendation: Wild Fibers Magazine

Posted on May 3, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

Do you know where the fiber in your yarn came from? Do you know what animal makes cashmere? Mohair? Where do those animals live and what are their lives like? What about the farmers and ranchers who care for them? … Continue reading →

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An alpaca vignette

Posted on May 2, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

On Saturday morning, I borrowed Mom’s barn clothes and went to turn out the boys and clean their area. As I shut their stall door behind me, Trip came running in at break neck speed, and skidded to a stop in … Continue reading →

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