We were delighted to welcome Pauline Verbeck-Cowart, teacher and weaver “extraordinaire” from the Kansas City Art Institute with a group of 20 of her students. These young ladies were all textile majors studying natural fibers under Pauline’s direction. Despite the snow and cold, the alpacas were eager to greet their visitors and happily posed for photographs. Indoors, we were able to discuss and demonstrate the special qualities of alpaca fiber and the need for sorting and grading to produce the best possible end product. The ‘ohs’ and ‘ahs’ as the girls plunged their hands into a 17 micron fleece for the first time was a delight to see. We’re sure to have several alpaca converts after this visit!
_195.JPG)