alpacapatty13

Patty grew up on the family farm which has been primarily a grain farm with different animals off and on. The area around my family farm is becoming more urban with subdivsions everywhere I look. We were seeking a way to keep the rural lifestyle. The search began for the right animal that could be raised easily and profitably on our farm. The search ended with my introduction to alpacas as every aspect of the animal seemed "a match made in ... Read Full Bio »

Patty grew up on the family farm which has been primarily a grain farm with different animals off and on. The area around my family farm is becoming more urban with subdivsions everywhere I look. We were seeking a way to keep the rural lifestyle. The search began for the right animal that could be raised easily and profitably on our farm. The search ended with my introduction to alpacas as every aspect of the animal seemed "a match made in Heaven" for our needs and property. Even "sticker shock"  gave way to a growing awe for God who had placed such a beautiful, gentle, and useful animal on earth for man's use. An alpaca is a beautiful animal. A cousin to the llama, known for its luxurious fiber, and a member of the camelid family. People from all walks of life are giving up traditional jobs for the easy-going and thoroughly enjoyable business of raising these gentle creatures. Alpacas are native to South America, particularly Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. They were first imported into the United States in 1984. The alpaca fiber industry continues to evolve along with the breeding industry. An adult alpaca might produce yearly 50 to 90 oz. (3.8 to 5.7 lb) of first-quality fiber as well as 50 to 100 oz. (3.1 to 6.3 lb) of second and third quality fiber. So with our children raised and living on their own, I started once again using my skills of knitting and crocheting. I joined a local fiber guild to add felting and other methods to include alpaca fiber, along with sheep wool, cotton and other natural fibers in items I make. Some of my handmade items can be seen on www.ruralcrafter.com and I am always searching for more items to make.