This spring is shaping up to be quite an exciting time out at the ranch.  The Studio at La Buena Vida Alpacas has a bundle of events lined up for both the serious and occasional fiber crafters.  Our spring hours are Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon until 4 pm and also by appointment at (575) 589-4323.  Hope to see you all soon!

 

La Buena Vida Alpacas ranch and The Studio will be closed

from April 19, 2010 through April 30, 2010.

 

Advanced Knitting Workshop - The El Paso Knitting Guild is very pleased to sponsor Carol Singletary, a well-known knitting instructor and knitting judge, for a workshop entitled “Sleeves from the Top Down”.  This technique eliminates the sewing, provides for a custom fit, and allows for better selection of decorative elements.  It will be held on March 20, from 10:30 am to approximately 3:00 pm, at The Studio at La Buena Vida Alpacas.  The cost of the workshop, which includes a catered lunch, is $45 for Guild members and $60 for non-members.  The class will be limited to fifteen participants, so get your reservation in soon by calling Andra Crossland at (915) 755-4282, and mailing your check to her at 3004 Devils Tower, El Paso, TX, 79904.  She will email you the requirements, materials list, and homework sheets.

 

Purse Needle Felting and Scarf Felting Workshops – If you want to make and take a great alpaca item all in one day, then these workshops are just for you.  The Purse Workshop will teach you needle felting techniques as you embellish you pre-made alpaca fiber clutch purse.  It will be held on Sunday, March 14^th, from 12:30 pm to 4 pm, with a cost of $60.  The Scarf Felting Workshop will teach you how to both wet-felt and needle felt a scarf.  It will be the following Sunday, March 21st.  Contact Shannon Dumais at (575) 649-2772 to sign up for either of these great workshops.

 

Hand-knit Beaded Scroll Scarf Workshop – We are looking forward to seeing the results when the participants learn how to knit a stunning beaded scarf in a summer lace pattern.  Andra Crossland, President of our local El Paso Knitting Guild, will guide you through the steps in this course, which will be held on Saturday April 10^th from 10 am to 4 pm at a cost of $40.  Contact Andra at (915) 755-4282 for more information and to enroll.

 

Fiber Fiesta – We are gearing up for our annual pre-shearing spring party, which is a showcase of local artisans, both with and without fiber, and an open house with tours of the ranch and its menagerie of animals.  It will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 17^th and 18^th, from 10 am to 4 pm.  Jazz guitarist Tim Kilpatrick will provide a swinging backdrop to the humming of the alpacas.  This year we will have a special demonstration of the techniques spanning from Fiber to Fashion!

 

Call for Artists – In preparation for our Fiber Fiesta, we are looking for new and exciting talent, both with and without fiber, to feature in an “art and craft fair” environment.  Booth space is available for $15 for the weekend to both groups and individuals.  So if you are a jewelry maker, painter, sculptor, fiber artist, baker, or just make unique and beautiful things, we would love to have you show and sell your items here.  Contact Jeri Beatty at La Buena Vida Alpacas at (575) 589-4323 to reserve your spot.

 

Ongoing Classes – We are continuing to expand our class offerings in Fiber Arts.  Classes in each area are designed to teach beginners as well as advance the skills of the seasoned fiber artisan.  A new one is Knitting Techniques, which are held on Saturday mornings, from 10 am to noon, for $5 per session.  Typical topics covered are lace and cable patterns, bobbles, and color work.  Contact Barbara Upsal (915) 588-0983 for details.

 

The Fiber Circle – Interest in our working group of fiber artisans and crafters is steadily growing.  Every Thursday, from Noon until 4 pm, an assortment of fiber lovers bring in their projects to work on, share stories, eagerly show-and-tell about their projects, and get completely inspired.  Please join us or drop by when you can for a fun-filled afternoon, and perhaps a snack.   Contact Barbara Upsal (915) 588-0983 for details.

 

 

Contact the following instructors for more information in each area.

 

Weaving – Jeri Beatty, (575) 589-4323

Knitting – Barbara Upsal, (915) 588-0983

Crochet – Marta Viramontes, (915) 549-3838

Felting – Shannon Dumais, (575) 649-2772