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.

Update on current spinning project

Posted on September 21, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

I can tell that the creative juices aren’t flowing when I’m already winding the two-ply yarn off the bobbin, and I still haven’t come up with any names. Usually I have half a dozen by this point, most of which … Continue reading →

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Random fiber word of the day: spindle

Posted on September 20, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

Ever since I started spinning, I’ve wondered “How in the world did Sleeping Beauty prick her finger on a spindle?” Like most spinners, I learned the basics of turning fiber into yarn on a simple device called a drop spindle. In … Continue reading →

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Big boys meet the little boys

Posted on September 19, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

We’ve been a little nervous about introducing the big boys the herd, since Marcello has a bit of a reputation. But now that the big boys have had their *ahem* operations…we figured the timing was right. Besides, when it gets … Continue reading →

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Herd dynamics

Posted on September 16, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

One afternoon last weekend, I went out to the alpaca turnout to shoo the girls into their paddock and let out the big boys, and I couldn’t find them. They weren’t at the feed troughs, or grazing on the stubbly, … Continue reading →

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Knitting/spinning clubs

Posted on September 15, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

Last night, an awesome friend of mine organized some of us crafty folks for wine and spinning/knitting. I know she read my burnout blog post, I suspect she was trying to get me moving on spinning again. It worked. I … Continue reading →

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Retroactive post: A quick story about gates (and closing them)

Posted on September 14, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

The very first day that I took care of the animals all by myself was a proud one. Mom and Dad were somewhere, off at a work conference maybe. I only had to keep things running for one whole day … Continue reading →

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On Burnout

Posted on September 13, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

I’m embarrassed to admit that I haven’t spun since before the art show more than a month ago. I have orders to fill, but it’s not as if I feel restricted or anything. I don’t even want to work on … Continue reading →

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Video of crias

Posted on September 9, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

Trip and Marsy don’t let their Mom’s lack of interest in turnout keep them from enjoying the open space. They appear to have springs in their legs, right?

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Baby update

Posted on September 9, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

Yesterday Dr. Balsch, our vet, came by to give Trip and Marsy their first shots! I apparently left my phone in the office, so I haven’t been able to call for updates, but I’m sure it went fine. I had … Continue reading →

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Random fiber word of the day: Niddy noddy

Posted on September 8, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

Or is that two words? Or not words, according to spellczech. No matter. I usually get about three sentences into a yarn about yarn when my non-fiber friends interrupt incredulously, with something like “What in the world is a niddy noddy? Did you make that … Continue reading →

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