AVAILABLE SOON ! WELSH ALPACA TWEED CAPS ! Made with fibre from 'Dolly' the alpaca and her friends and modelled here by Rodney (Mr Bird Farm Alpacas )  =) 

​Alpaca being a hollow fibre is naturally much softer than sheep s wool. Interestingly it is also much stronger and warmer than wool. Being water resistant alpaca material easily wicks away moisture making it less likely to absorbs smells. Classed too as hypoallergenic being lanolin free this highly prized fabric is ideal for hats, jackets and throws. Historically reserved for the Inca royalty alpaca is now recognized universally as an eco fabric so we are VERY proud to be promoting our own WELSH WOVEN ALPACA products. 

​Credit to www.alanjamesraddon.co.uk for commissioning the prototype cap and supplying these photos. Thanks Al

A competent, kind shearer who is respectful to the animals is a must.....thanks to Michael from 'Legacy Alpacas' for being exactly that! Extra help is always welcome to help keep things running smoothly and thanks to Tina and Bill Stephens for coming ! =)
​The weather was great and with the current heatwave the alpacas are feeling great with their fleeces off ! With 11 animals shorn our annual clip is 32 kilos! Next job is sorting, skirting and delivering the bulk to the mill. Our plan with this years fibre is to have a Welsh Alpaca Tweed fabric woven .....can't wait! 

 Perfect weather here today to get out the paddling pool! Gertrude surprised us the most as she is normally so shy but couldn't resist the water! Added epsom salts and iodine to promote healthy skin and deter any mites! Tomorrow adding Lavender and t-tree oil =) 

Had a great day with Janet and Julie who attended my workshop 'Spinning for beginners' in April. The weather was fine and dry so we were able to get up close and handle the alpacas. Explaining the differences between the huacaya alpaca ( teddy bear look with crimpy locks, most common) and the suri type ( with the long silky dreadlocks).

The day started with carding the fibre that i had prepared by washing, using both the hand carders and my drum carder. Followed by plenty of spinning practice and eventually plying the spun yarn to produce their first skein! Always such an achievement!

Hopefully inspired to continue =) 

email- emmabird150@gmail.com if you would like to know future workshop dates.

HOLDING REGULAR WORKSHOPS HERE AT BIRD FARM. A LOVELY WAY TO RELAX AND LEARN A NEW SKILL. PLUS YOU TAKE HOME SOMETHING USEFUL. COURSES ARE SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS MAKING EITHER

• ROUND BASKET
• SQUARE BASKET
• CATALAN TRAY
  
• TRUG
  
• BIRDFEEDERS

COMING SOON ......CRAFT / RELAXATION DAY . COMBINING SKILLS WITH A FRIEND WE ARE OFFERING A DAY TO RELAX AT BIRD FARM. COME AND MAKE A WILLOW BIRD FEEDER AND RECEIVE A HALF HOUR TREATMENT OF REFLEXOLOGY OR REIKI. LUNCH, TEA/COFFEE INCLUDED. A TOTAL TREAT =)
CONTACT EMMA FOR MORE DETAILS : 01570 434600

TWO SPACES LEFT FOR THIS THURSDAYS WORKSHOP ( 2/3/17) TO MAKE A SQUARE BASKET, MESSAGE FOR DETAILS =)