Fern Ridge Alpacas

Our Whidbey Island alpaca farm is located just 3 miles from the Mukilteo / Clinton Ferry landing.

Just 30 minutes north of Seattle, Whidbey Island is an easy getaway to enjoy the beauty of Puget Sound.

We're open most days.
A quick call or email will assure that we are able to give you a proper farm tour.

7343 Holst Road
Clinton, WA 98236

206.778.9619
info@FernRidgeAlpacas.com

 SITE MAP

RSS SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG

FernRidgeFarmStore

It's All About the Fiber!

Gretchen Schlomann - Thursday, October 18, 2012

The reason we feed, muck the pastures and care for our alpacas every day is because they produce such luxurious fiber. This fall we are celebrating this 'Fiber of The Gods' as the Incans called it with the Whidbey FiberQuest with a Twist on November 2 - 4. Visit 4 fiber farms + 1 knit shop over 3 days on beautiful Whidbey Island and be entered to win a basket filled with fiber products.  Pick up your free ticket from one of the participating fiber farms and knit shop. It's a great way to get started on those holiday gift projects or something warm and soft for yourself.

At Fern Ridge on Saturday, Nov 3 we will have a fiber dyeing demo using plant-based dyes. Maybe we'll use the onion skins I (and my friends) have been collecting or some local berries. . . whatever we can find.  

 

And what about the Twist?  We're featuring additional stops on FiberQuest for specials on wine, chocolate and a gourmet deli meal.  Download FiberQuest Info below. If you can't be a FiberQuester in person that weekend . . . you can still enter 2 online contests at www.whidbeyfiberquest.com

FQwithaTWIST_Nov2012 

While you're on the island stop by the Whidbey Weaver's Guild sale known as: Uncommon Threads at Greenbank Farm. They will have a fabulous array of hand-woven clothing and items for the home all handcrafted by the creative community of weavers living on Whidbey Island.  Another opportunity to start your holiday shopping with one-of-a-kind creations that will be cherished for a lifetime.

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
Electra's New Cria
Wow what happened? Where have I landed?Oh, the sun feels good.
Okay, my legs don't seem to be working together yet.Look my sweet new baby boy!
Cria's comforting kiss from mom.Ladies! Don't you think I did this pretty gracefully?
Big Llama Guy Braun..checks out the new little one.I've got this walking down pretty good, don't you think?

Gallery of Customer Projects
Becky's beautiful cabled scarf made yarn hand-dyed by local fiber artist, Heidi Jill PriceIncredibly beautiful cowl knitted by Denise from Demitrius' blue ribbon yarn!
Denise's Fingerless Gloves from Hermes YarnBecky's Scarf from Giovanni's Handspun Yarn

Summer Days on the Farm
4H handler learning to shear PippinBarn before the hay was in.
Girls relaxing in the sunny pasture250+ bales of hay fill the barn. Thanks to our invaluable helper.
Learning new skills from Kate, our 4H judge and training coach.4H handlers and their alpacas lined up and listening for directions

4H Spring Show
Successfully came through the tunnelKuro carefully walks through obstacles
A speed test winding through the polesThat top step was a little tippy
Dressed and ready for showing

Before and After Harvest
Felix in full fleece 2011Felix shorn - now we see why his yarn has that bittersweet chocolate color!

Waldorf School Visit
Up close with the alpaca girlsTrying new cat's cradle patterns
A lesson with the drop spindleMastering the art
First intro to the alpaca boysAsa is sniffing her new friend while Katie Rose watches closely
Getting a chance to lead a haltered alpacaFarm chores - cleaning up the paddock
Helping to harvest worm castingsAlpaca boys getting into the class photo
Two helpers filling water buckets

Alpaca Snow Day
Girls wondering if it's time to come in yetHeavy with snow the branches are the right height for munching
Snowy farm roadBoys chasing each other in the snow
Mom's running in the snow