The Kansas Creative

A handmade scarf is always a beautiful thing.  Making it from locally-grown fiber is even better!  Connie from R.C. Mueller Alpacas tells all about the fibers produced by her fluffy alpacas here…

“We began raising alpacas as an alternative livestock in 2006.  We found the alpacas to be much easier to care for and handle than the traditional livestock my husband and I grew up with, cattle and hogs…much easier.  We have focused on the fiber end of alpaca raising.  Through this venture we have met many friends, learned different fiber uses and processing, and are just having a great time with it all!

With my husband in the lead shearing (and me directing) our alpacas get a new look after their shear.  We utilize every bit of fiber we can, as we get only one fiber harvest a year.  We sell raw fiber, roving, and yarns.  Finished products are knitted by my friend, Mary, and myself, as well as some items that we receive back from the coop where we send some of our fiber for processing.  I am following in my grandma’s footsteps with weaving rugs.  One big difference is I use alpaca rug yarn, which is alpaca fiber wrapped around a jute core.   All products available from the ‘Alpaca Shack’ are 100% USA made using Kansas/USA produced fiber.  We pride ourselves in using this all renewable, natural, ‘green’ resource.

Farm tours are available by appointment.  Curious alpacas love company!  Meet them up close and personal and see where your scarf or rug came from!  You can visit us via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/R-C-Mueller-Alpacas/186075378089977.  Or call 785-348-5419.  You’re always welcome at  R. C. Mueller Alpacas, 1568 10th Road, Linn, KS!”