Break out of Frames I met my husband in college and married right after we both graduated. Through the years I followed my husband in his career and reared two wonderful
children. My spinning and weaving gave me a little private world where I could retreat, time permitting, to feed my spirit. I was always
relegated to the 4th bedroom in every home we had. You know, the one
that is a glorified closet. It housed my two big looms, spinning
wheels and other equipment. Yarn tumbled out of the closet every time
the door was opened, but it was my happy sanctuary. As I sat and wove I
dreamed of having a real studio. I didn't even dare to think about my
other wish since it was impossible... but it would be so wonderful to have my
very own 4-legged fiber producers so I could do it all - from raising the animals to creating the finished product.Llamas | Fiber Items | Gallery | Guest Lodging with Lessons | Links | Wool and Fiber for Sale 
Eventually my children were grown and on their own. Then my husband took early retirement from teaching at the university and we moved to the foothills in Northern California to a small community called Georgetown. And we actually had 5 acres of land! My "dream studio" was built - the wish I thought could not happen came true. I really would have a farm with animals. What kind of fiber animals should I have? Some years before a friend had given me a Jacob sheep fleece from England. It was a joy to spin! 21 years ago it was difficult to find these elusive fleeces, or sheep, because there were very few Jacob flocks in the United States. My first Jacob, Ms. Prissy, came from Clinton, New Jersey by plane. Three other ewes came from Washington state, and this was the start of my flock. The lambs have a birth weight of 6 to 7 lbs. and look like stuffed toys that any child would cherish.
Calico Stole My Heart I decided that llamas would be my other fiber animals. Llama fiber was not available anywhere in those days, and I wanted something unique. I found a llama ranch in our area and we went to look. They introduced their llamas and there he stood... his name was Calico. He was only eleven months old and I fell in love. We also purchased his little brother, Jingo, and he joined our growing four legged family when he was weaned and old enough to leave his mother. This was the start of my love affair with llamas. The fiber was important, after all, that was why I wanted them, but I never dreamed
how special and fulfilling my life would be living with llamas.
Calico is responsible for my having so many llamas living with me today. He was a very special llama who was intelligent, loving, and my best friend. We had an exceptional relationship and spent many happy years together until he died when he was 17. I still miss him, but he taught me well. That is his legacy and I will be forever grateful. After 17 years in Georgetown I was tired of dealing with being snowed in, the loss of electricity on a regular basis, and hauling 20 tons of hay up and down hills every year. My flock of sheep had grown to 45 and I had 11 llamas. I decided to sell most of my sheep, just keeping a few of my favorites for their fiber. In 1992 I relocated to Lincoln, California. Since that time my "animal focus" has been on raising my llamas.
One of the great pleasures in my life is teaching and sharing all that I have learned over so many years with new generations of weavers and spinners. I offer two different options for Weaving and Spinning Lessons. You may choose to be a "stay on the ranch guest", or a day student. I will design a course of study to meet your needs and goals.
I've added a page with an article on how to separate colors on a spotted fleece. I also offer llama fiber that is very strong, clean and ready for carding and spinning. I have assorted colors, with many earth-toned hues. See my Wool and Fiber for Sale page for more info and pricing.
A few years ago I stopped breeding livestock. The llamas I have left are my fiber producers and companions and are "home" for life. You can still meet them and decide if llamas are right for you. Even if you don't have room at home for llamas, I think a bit of their magic will rub off on you. Every time you spin or weave llama fiber, you'll remember the feel of their soft warm breath on your cheek and those beautiful eyes.
Call or email me for your fiber/wool needs. If you are in this area and
would like to come for a visit, the llamas and I always enjoy company. Just
contact me for directions. We're located about 20 minutes east of
Sacramento, off Highway 80.
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