Barbara Balkwill
Fibre Art
I am a Fibre Artist and have been interested in all things fibre for a very long time and I predominately uses the fibre from our Alpaca herd. Starting with four Alpacas over 20 years ago, our heard has grown and consists of up to 30 animals. Considering the wellbeing of our animals, the decision to move to the Granite Blet 14 years ago has resulted in the marked improvement in the fibre quality of our Alpacas. The process of utilizing the fibre of my animals starts with shearing then washing and carding the fleece. I then use it in spinning, knitting, weaving and in felting. I create various garments such as pashminas, vests wraps, hats, scarves, berets as well as doonas and floor mats. I use both wet and needle felting techniques. In needle felting I create portraits of both people and animals and pictures such as landscapes.
Tal'ngai Alpacas is a working farm and our studio/work area is situated on the property. Apart form viewing a GER ( Mongolian Roundhouse) with its hand-felted walls, visitors will be able to enjoy our Alpacas and what we create with their fabulous fibre. Fibre products will be for sale. As this is a working farm we ask that you please keep your pets in the car during your visit