HEATHER SOLY - ALPACA FIBER
Article written for CACE by Foy and Mildred Sperring
What began as an unusual interest in fiber arts was consummated for Heather Soly when she decided, along with husband Peter Soly, to start a farm and produce the raw material provided by the fleece of alpacas. These gentle, friendly and fetching animals, originally from the South American countries of Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, high in the Andes, thrive in the cool, moderate climate of Tennessee; to date, there are six alpaca farms in this area with many more expected. Their Black Mountain Alpacas farm now numbers a herd of 34 and growing. Of the camel family, they reproduce year around (males and females must be kept in separate pastures); a baby (cria) is now overdue and expected any day. Full grown, they reach three and one half feet at shoulder, and the same in length.
Heather became interested in knitting in 2001 and she and Peter began Alpaca farming three years ago. She is into and knowledgeable about all aspects of alpaca fiber craft — weaving, needle felting, dyeing fibers and spinning, several of these skills she now teaches. From these come shirts, sweaters, vests, shawls, finger puppets, scarves, gloves, mittens, caps and hats; some of the items she produces with the help of a very large floor loom in her workshop-store. She doesn’t have time to produce all of the shop’s many handcrafted alpaca items offered, so some are purchased from various local artisans. In addition to skeins of fiber, there will soon be available spinning wheels for purchase by other fiber artists.
Alpacas are adapted to cold mountains and here in Tennessee they must be sheared before summer. Shearing will be done before the end of April. The fiber, or fleece, will then be shipped to Gallatin, where it is spun into skeins and returned to the store for sale of knitting.
Notes Heather, "While alpaca fiber occurs naturally in 22 colors, blending can create more color choices. White, light and gray shades can be easily dyed to create additional hues. Alpaca fiber is softer than cashmere and warmer than wool; North Americans are developing their own herd to supply the world with this valuable commodity. This increasing availability is creating a high demand for both alpaca fiber and quality breeding stock."
An indication of Heather’s involvement into fiber arts are dozens of ribbons displayed in her store. She has won these are shows across the country for spinning and fleece confirmation, a measure of the animal’s body characteristics used in judging the quality of its fleece. Says Heather, "Alpacas have been domesticated and bred specifically for their exceptional fleece for thousands of years. At one time their fiber was reserved for garments worn only by kings and royalty. Its softness and luster are loved by hand spinners and its strength is appreciated by weavers" The writers can attest to the buttery softness and warmth of alpaca garments, which are extremely comfortable to wear.
Although Peter Soly helps with the operation of Black Mountain Alpacas, he says it is mainly Heather’s business. He prefers to be working in his trade, construction, and is currently building them a new home adjacent to the farm.
The farm is located just beyond Homestead, a few miles south of downtown Crossville. "Our ever growing herd spends most of its time grazing the pasture," she says. The day the writers were there a mother has an ebony newborn tagging along close to his dinner (and security). Heather lifted the baby in her arms with no protest. Birthing usually takes place during the day and the cria is up and running with the herd by day’s end. Heather, incidentally, has a name for each animal and they literally become her pets. The alpacas seem to know they have a very good life as they appear to have a perpetual smile on their small faces. They might have the perfect setup — plenty of fresh food and water, plentiful grazing and a lot of tender, loving care from Heather. Heather added, "Besides our alpacas, our ‘big blue barn’ also houses two dogs in training — a pair of Great Pyrenees puppies raised to guard and protect these gentle animals — a barn cat named Wilbur, and a farm store filled with ‘all things alpaca.’"
Heather says alpacas are profitable, fun and conducive to a stress free lifestyle. "Raising alpacas is relatively simple and because they are small in size they can be managed by women and children. They communicate within the herd with soft humming sounds and mothers sometimes cluck to their babies. They are ruminants, grazers that feed off land gently. The only requirements are a three-sided shelter and protection from predators," she adds.
"Visitors are always welcome, but please call ahead so we can plan some uninterrupted time to
show you around and answer any questions as you discover the magic of the world of alpacas," Heather said. Call 931-707-1996 for more information and an appointment. Or visit their web site,
www.blackmountainalpacas.com
In addition to supporting Heather’s hobby, the farm also breeds for sale adult alpacas and their offspring. You might say Heather loves the fiber arts so much she became a farmer — alpaca, that is. She still finds time to be a member of Cumberland Artisans for Creative Expression, or CACE, which supports and promotes the fine arts and crafts in Cumberland County.
