Wendy Tyler Visited the Guild March 7 in Person
Adorable animals, useful information, and beautiful yarn to buy – there was a lot to like about the March 7 Guild meeting! Wendy Tyler from Black Wolf Ranch in Montana presented “Exploration of North American Natural Fibers.”
Wendy’s 150-acre ranch is home to both Suri and Huacaya alpacas plus sheep, goats, chickens and pigs. Anatolian shepherd dogs keep the herd safe from predators. Wendy does all the veterinary work on the ranch. She also has a fulltime IT job and somehow still finds time for knitting!
Wendy described the business of raising animals for fiber and the problems of finding a mill to process it. She stressed the importance of supporting US farmers when we buy yarn.
We learned about the uses and characteristics of fleece from different sheep breeds as well as fiber from mohair goats and even bison. But her emphasis was on alpacas, which she clearly loves.
The meeting ended with a trunk show of beautiful Black Wolf Ranch alpaca yarn for purchase.
Tina Rounsavell
