Wednesday, August 1, 2007














This is what I've been doing for the last couple of days. Well, besides spinning and knitting. Yes, and being in the barn. Click on them for a big picture. I think that I might have the "dying alpaca without felting it" figured out. I'm using the crockpot or oven, add the dye powder dry method and liking the results. Jennifer at Laughing Rat has helped me a bunch and I thank her.

I'm happy that I have figured out how to do the paper label and don't they look "purty" spread out like that. Want to get a bunch more dyed up before the Allegan Fiber Fest. I do have these listed in my Etsy shop. If you want to visit, you can just click on northstaralpacas under the pictures of some things in my shop.

The weather here in midMichigan has been hot and dry. So much so that crops are stressing. The trees in our yard are starting to drop leaves. We are a little worried about getting hay for the winter. We usually order 200 bales of grass hay for the alpacas, and 600 bales of grass/alfalfa for the horses. DH talked to our hay man last night and we will probably have to get some 1st cutting Timothy for the horses and he thinks he may have some 2nd cutting grass for the alpacas. Half the horses are going to turn their noses up at the Timothy 'cause they have always had the yummy, leafy stuff. The prediction is for rain this weekend. Sure hope so.

9 comments:

Lisa said...

I'm going to try to find you at Allegan! Great looking dye job. I am a big chicken when it comes to dyeing. Someday I will learn!

Cary ~ My Wool Mitten at Serenity Farms said...

Oh Maple, what beautiful rainbows of alpaca ;D

Great job!

Hugs, Cary (also worried about hay here in mid-Michigan)

Marianne said...

The rovings look good. ! Soft and vibrant with color.
We have problems with the hay too, it's too wet over here !
We are worried about what we will feed the horses and goats this winter too.

Over The Top Aprons said...

Your blog is wonderful - so colorful and I love all the pictures and the information. It is just grand ... and your yarn is gorgeous!!!

I just realized that I didn't have you as a link - sooo I just now added it. Have a grand day. And thank you for your lovely comments. Fun knowing you!

Peggy said...

That roving looks awesome!!!!! I love the colors and gosh, what a great job you are doing. The rain situation here in KY is pretty bad as well. Here's praying for rain here and there.

Zu said...

You've been doing great with your dyeing! They're gorgeous. :-) You have a lot to deal with when you have a farm and animals to care for huh? Sounds hard and interesting at the same time. :-)

Elizabeth said...

The roving is gorgeous! I love all the different colors. I haven't tried that method of dyeing yet, but I plan to when I get a chance.

kim said...

The roving is beautiful!

Tracy said...

Great colors. We're also in the same weather boat. It has been just awful for people, plants and animals.

Map