Skirting (cleaning) Llama Fleece

Because llama fleece has no oil, it doesn't have to be washed before spinning. Because llamas are fastidious about where they defecate, there are rarely any feces in their fleece, thus it doesn't have to be scoured. However, llamas do enjoy rolling in fine sand, ashes, or hay-covered areas so they do have varying amounts of vegetable matter (VM) embedded in their fiber. We brush them occasionally during the year, then at shearing time, we use a Toro leaf blower to remove the fine sand and grit and some VM before actually removing the fiber. They don't mind the leaf blower noise and seem to enjoy the 120 mph force wind an inch from their skin.

Before I spin the fiber, I remove the remaining VM and guard hair by hand. If not taken too seriously, it can be fun sitting outdoors with a host of "helpers" and onlookers. I wash the spun/plyed yarn gently in warm, liquid Ivory dish soap and rinse it before using it in projects.

Majic (mini llama), Kimmie (appaloosa), and Shadow cat help Sharon remove VM and guard hair from black llama fleece.

Shadow cat on skirting board with Glacier ringing the deck bell and Siesta admiring her reflection.