The Fiber Factor : A Simplified Guide to Alpaca Fiber

By Stacy Heydt

Alpaca owner and fiber artisan, Stacy Heydt, shares the methodology in preparing both huacaya and suri alpaca fleeces to create superior products once treasured by ancient Incan Kings and today's most discriminating. This comprehensive book uses illustrations, colorful graphics, photographs and a light, conversational format to reduce complex theories and technical terminology into an easy to understand fiber tutorial suitable for both the alpaca owner and fiber enthusiast. It is organized into four sections providing specific information using proven procedures of fiber management from shearing, to showing, to the production of quality finished products and so much more! The "How-To" section includes full step-by-step instructions, illustrations and photographs for preparing fleeces for show and production. Included are blueprints for making breeding and purchasing decisions plus helpful guidelines to assist the new owner in creating a business plan. Hands-on tutorials put the theories to the test including the twist factor in yarn making. Discover how the uniformity factor effects all aspects of production including yarn making, feltmaking and weaving. Color theories are tested through blending and dyeing experiments. The final section features references, a tutorial on creating My Best and My Ultimate Alpaca Fiber Guides, an editorial on how the author judge's a Spin-Off competition, a full glossary plus a complete index. 169 pages, 43 graphics, charts and illustrations, over 70 photographs

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0990408108
• ISBN13: 9780990408109
• Release Date: June 2014
• Publisher: Hilltop Press
• Length: 170 Pages
• Weight: 2.00 lbs.