Episode 8: Learning How to Shear Guanacos (& Spin Their Fiber)

Subscribe to the podcast!

Pride is a tricky thing for many of us. We’ve been taught to dismiss compliments to keep us from attracting too much attention or getting a big head. We’ve been warned that focussing too much on accomplishments can suck the meaning out of living.  But there are times in life when we do something really great. In this episode, we are going to tell you about what goes into shearing our guanacos. After all, we did get these animals for their special fiber. We are going to tell you about our brave shearer, Clint, and all the many things we’ve tried to make shearing a better experience for everyone.  Then we are going to tell you a bit about this exquisite fiber and exactly why making yarn out of it is so challenging.  The story of my championship ribbon and the spinners who shared that moment with me is wonderful.  And, finally some tips on how to feel pride with joy. 

Survey link: https://forms.gle/YVWJmSdVKqr9YmNq5

Episode Highlights: 

  • Embracing our accomplishments & feeling proud 
  • Learning how to shear guanacos 
  • To sedate or not to sedate guanacos 
  • Learning how to spin guanaco fiber
  • Becoming a master spinner 

Links:

Website: https://afiberlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afiberlife

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alientoluxuryfiberfarm

Email us: info@afiberlife.com

Show Notes & Episode Transcript

“I swear the undercoat of their fiber looks like froth. It’s so light and fluffy and it flows off of those animals,” Lisa said.

“Yeah, but it’s useless in that condition. Lucky for us, you figured out how to fix that,” Greg said.

Shearing our guanacos and working with their exquisite fiber has been a steep learning curve. When we first started raising guanacos for their fiber we didn’t know anything. We didn’t know the best way to shear the animals. We didn’t know what to do with the fiber once it was off of the animal. We certainly didn’t know how to spin the fiber. Or even if anyone would be interested in buying it. We just didn’t know a thing. And like everything else, we had to learn by trial and error. Which helped us make some great improvements and survive some hilarious disasters. And, in regards to spinning the fiber, it even led to a championship ribbon. I know the story is something special–something to proud of. Which is something I’m still letting in.

Lisa Mitchell
Hi, I’m Lisa!

I’m a fiber farmer and land steward committed to making beautiful things and making a beautiful life. I raise animals for their fiber, ceate things you can buy, and write and tell stories about the discoveries I make along the way.

Leave a Comment





More from a Fiber life...

Episode 3: What will you do with this one wild and precious life?

May 7, 2024
, , , , ,

You know how frustrating it can be when you’re exhausted and you finally get to lay your head on the…

Episode 2: When a couple finds their third thing

April 1, 2024
, , , ,

Every couple needs a “we” or a third thing—a focal point that exists not solely within one individual but rather…

Episode 1: A Frog Family Lives in our Basement

March 2, 2024
, , ,

This season, we’ve set out to capture and celebrate ordinary moments in our lives on the farm.  Because even the…

Keep the connection -to a- fiber life!

Be the first to learn shop updates, new essays, events, and special offers!

Put me on the list!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Visit-the-Shop

Our animals work year round to grow the most exquisite fibers because we’re the only commercial source of guanaco fiber in the US. Spinners, knitters, and natural fiber wearers, we can’t wait for you to touch the softness.