Processing alpaca fleece for spinning. TourDeFleece 2024 prep 

So much floof! Surprised the hot water doesn't felt it. I'm finding the whole process fascinating thank you for sharing. Some people buy dust for their alpacas. I got such a kick out of seeing cleaning guru Mrs Hinch, whose home is spotlessly clean (cleaning is her therapy) buying big bags of dust for her alpacas! Oh the irony but such joy too.

Very good information. I was trying to be delicate with mine. I will definitely do the pre-shredding/pulling locks apart next time. In fact I am doing that now after the washing to get more grass out of my fibers before I comb them.

This whole process has been fascinating. I’ve been processing woad plants with a friend to make dye, and while it’s a different type of goal and process, they still seem similar somehow.

This was very helpful! Do you like spinning wool or alpaca better?

For both wool and alpaca, of you don’t want felting, the most important thing to remember is to avoid temperature shock. Yes, rubbing does contribute to felting but not nearly as much as variations in temperature.

So fluffy!

The small drum is called the “licker.”