Skin to Skein and Everything In Between
Part 2
The Suri Network Education Committee presents a two-part Masterclass:
These two masterclasses will include a review of the Density Study organized by Amanda VandenBosch and Derik King and will follow 5 Suri alpacas and their fleeces correlating their scientific testing results with fleece characteristics. An AOA judge clinic at Randy and Barbara Coleman's ranch featured those same Suris through fleece assessment while in halter, during the shearing process and onto the fleece table. Jean Van Effen will share her initial impressions of the fleeces prior to processing them at her mill.
Part One will review the Density study and follow 5 of the Suris that were part of that study to the Coleman ranch where the alpacas were assessed in halter, during the shearing process, and their fleeces were studied by the AOA judges. Jean Van Effen will provide her initial impressions of the fleeces prior to processing.
In Part Two, Jean Van Effen will discuss her experience processing the individual fleeces and her impressions of the resultant yarn. The panel will then bring those impressions back to histogram and biopsy results to see if there are any correlations between the skein qualities and the information gleaned from those alpaca's biopsies, histograms, and fleece assessments.
Whether your focus is on fiber arts or enhancing your genetics, this masterclass will provide a foundation to understand how quantitative measures can be leveraged across multiple domains of production. These skills can help to inform breeding decisions as well as deepen your appreciation of your animals’ fleece.
When: August 13th 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET
September 24th 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET
Moderator – Julie Roy
Meet the Panelists:
- Derik King – Alpaca Fiber Analytics
- Randy Coleman – Wings and a Prayer Alpacas
- Jean Van Effen – Tahoma Vista Fiber Mill
- Laurel Shouvlin – AOA Judge
Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link prior to the class and receive a link to the replay.
YOU MUST REGISTER SEPARATELY FOR PART 1 and PART 2!
Suri Network members can join for free, but will need to register to receive the Zoom link.
Masterclass fee for non-Suri Network members: $25.
$25 for each Masterclass or $100 for Masterclass series (which includes joining Suri Network and receiving all the other benefits starting with the first class).
Save the Date for Part 2 in this Masterclass Series:
September 24, 2026