Author Archives: cliffhousealpacas

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About cliffhousealpacas

Once upon a time, my dad drove by some funny looking animals standing on little dirt hills in a field. Thus, the dream of an alpaca ranch was born. Now, we are embarking on a grand adventure of raising alpacas and becoming fiber artists.

“A dead squirrel on his head”

Posted on October 24, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

On Sunday, I spun Marcello’s fiber for the first time! It’s an order from a friend, a search and rescue guy in need of a warm, weather proof hat. Mom called before she sent the batts up, afraid that since Marcello’s … Continue reading →

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Funky Carolina Blues

Posted on October 21, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

The holidays are right around the corner, if you are a crafter, and I’m cranking on my special orders. Last night, I finished plying this yarn: It’s the first finished product I’ve made that involves Tuscany’s fiber, and I rather … Continue reading →

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Your “Awwww” moment of the day

Posted on October 20, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

Ready? One, two, three… Awwwww! The Boogie man is a sucker for a pretty girl (especially if she has a carrot). This picture was taken at the open house. At one point we had easily a dozen kids in the … Continue reading →

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Buttery delicious

Posted on October 19, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

Mmmm. Tuscany’s fiber is every bit as yummy as we hoped it’d be. I got a box in the mail from the ranch with two freshly washed and carded batts of this deliciously soft fiber. It was kind of like … Continue reading →

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Does your dog bite?

Posted on October 18, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

There’s no way this little guy could be responsible for actually biting someone, right? Wrong! We were playing with his two-legged tiger (it was 50% off!) on Sunday, and we both reached for it at the same time. Unfortunately, Derby … Continue reading →

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Yarn types: a spinner’s prospective

Posted on October 17, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

I’m going to admit a sort of dirty secret here. I used to crochet with Red Heart yarn. Maybe you don’t realize what a sin that is, so let me explain. For $4 you can buy 365 yards of their … Continue reading →

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It is done.

Posted on October 14, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

Bonus points if you know what movie I’m referencing in the title, especially if you aren’t related to me. I’ve finally finished the yarn order I’ve been trying to fill for two months. This time, I used the correct color … Continue reading →

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How to: Spin a beaded yarn

Posted on October 13, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

Good morning! Today, I thought I’d explain how I spin beaded yarns, since I tend to get a ton of questions about it. I guess some knitters add beads to their pieces after they are finished, using tiny crochet hooks. That … Continue reading →

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Alpaca bio: Tuscany

Posted on October 12, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

Tuscany, as our first cria, holds a special place in all our hearts. Born to Tulip before we’d even brought the alpacas home to the ranch, Tuscany was adorable from the very start.

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Alpacas and their friends

Posted on October 11, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

“Wow, they’re just a bunch of spare parts, aren’t they?” It’s an oft repeated sentiment from first timers on the ranch. Alpacas are, undeniably, weird looking. But you should see their cousins! Alpacas belong to the camelid family, which includes, you … Continue reading →

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