Saturday Spotlight
Ziraldo Alpacas
1. What is the
name of your shop or business and what do you sell?
I sell alpaca products made from the fibre of our own
animals.
Including: Alpaca yarn, roving, hand knit accessories, socks
(regular, diabetic and work), insoles, felted soaps and wool dryer balls.
I also sell kits to make wool dryer balls and hand felted
soaps.
We sell alpacas too!
We offer workshops on making wool dryer balls, felting soap
and dyeing yarn. Keep an eye on our
website and fb page for upcoming workshops.
2. Where are you
located? or where do you sell?
21370 Fairview Rd. Thorndale
Our farm store is open by appointment. Just call or email to
arrange a farm visit. ☺
I attend several events in the fall, leading up to
Christmas, where I show and sell my products.
I also have “Chirstmas Shopping Days” at our farm at the end
of November and beginning of December.
It is a great opportunity for folks to Christmas shop for
warm and comfy, locally produced alpaca products
Dates of off farm events and our Christmas Shopping days
will be posted on our website and fb page.
3. Do you have
your own website/store or online link?
Farm store open by appointment
Website:
www.zalpacas.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ziraldo.Alpacas
4. How long have
you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?
We have had our farm at Thorndale for 31 years. For the
first several years we raised Standardbred horses and then transitioned into
alpacas 9 years ago.
I already had an interest in spinning, weaving and knitting and
chose alpacas because I knew that they had exquisite fibre that I could make
into gorgeous yarn. They were also beautiful animals and smaller and easier to
care for than horses.
5. Who or what
inspires you to create?
My alpaca yarn inspires me. The animals produce so many
beautiful natural colours. Every year my yarn lots are somewhat different and
jump start my imagination and creativity.
I am always looking about in the world and on the internet
for new and unique uses for my alpaca fibre.
6. Do you listen
to music when you work, and if so what kind?
Music isn’t a big part of my creative process. Often I enjoy
peace and quiet as I work.
7. What do you
like least/most about your craft?
The thing I like least is the vegetation that the alpacas
collect in their fibre – from their food and bedding. It is a lot of work to
get it out and it is never, ever all gone! I try to view the presence of the
vegetation as a sure sign that these are natural products.
8. Describe your
workspace?
I don’t have a workshop, or studio. I just work at my
kitchen table.
When I dye yarn, I do it in our garage.
9. What is one of
your best moments as a crafter/artist?
When someone buys some of my yarn or a knitted article and I
see that they truly appreciate the fibre journey from the daily care of the
animal, to shearing, sorting, processing and then to the beautiful yarn or
final creation.
10. What advice would
you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?
Follow your passion!
If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your
life.
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