Workshops at Liskeyborough Alpacas
Learn the Traditional Craft of Hand Spinning
“Join us for a gentle, hands‑on spinning experience here at Liskeyborough. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already love fibre arts, our workshops bring together alpacas, fleece, and the peaceful rhythm of spinning.
“Our spinning workshops are relaxed, friendly sessions where you can learn every step of the process — from preparing the fleece to creating your own yarn. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already love fibre arts, you’ll learn at your own pace in the peaceful surroundings of Liskeyborough.”
Our workshops are led by our good friend Trish Kerr of Irish Alpaca Yarns, who brings a selection of spinning wheels to suit the size of the group. To ensure everyone receives individual attention and guidance, numbers are usually limited to a maximum of eight participants.
What to Expect
☕ 10:00am – Welcome & Morning Coffee
The day begins with tea, coffee and homemade treats while everyone settles in and gets to know each other.
🦙 Fleece Preparation
We then head to our Fleece Lodge, where participants will work with one of our own alpaca fleeces and learn the essential preparation techniques:
- Understanding alpaca fleece qualities
- Skirting the fleece
- Picking and sorting fibres
- Carding the fleece in preparation for spinning
🧶 Learning to Spin
Once the fleece is prepared, each participant takes their fibre to a spinning wheel.
With Trish providing individual instruction and support throughout the day, you’ll learn:
- How a spinning wheel works
- Drafting techniques
- Creating a consistent yarn
- Troubleshooting common spinning challenges
No previous experience is necessary.
🍽️ Lunch
At approximately 1:00pm, everyone enjoys a delicious homemade lunch.
🦙 Meet the Alpacas
After lunch, there’s an opportunity to meet our alpacas and, during the season, spend time with this year’s cria.
This is always a highlight of the day and gives participants a chance to see the animals that produce the fibre they are working with.
🧵 Plying & Finishing
In the afternoon, you’ll learn how to ply your spun yarn to create a finished product.
Following a final coffee break, participants will complete their yarn and prepare it to take home.
Take Home Your Own Hand-Spun Yarn
One of the most rewarding parts of the workshop is leaving with something truly unique.
By the end of the day, each participant will take home their very own hand-spun alpaca yarn, created from fleece they have prepared and spun themselves.
Workshop Details
- Maximum 8 participants
- Suitable for beginners
- Individual tuition provided
- Homemade lunch included
- Tea and coffee provided throughout the day
- All equipment supplied, including spinning wheels
- Opportunity to meet the alpacas
Booking Information
Workshop dates are announced throughout the year and places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To register your interest or enquire about upcoming workshop dates, please contact us using the details on our Contact Us page or message us through our social media channels.
Visits and workshops are by appointment and pre-booking only
“From alpaca fleece to finished yarn, experience every step of the journey at Liskeyborough Alpacas.” 🦙🧶☕
“We begin by learning how to skirt and prepare the fleece.”
“Debut (30th May 2017– 28th September 2026). This moment with him is one we’ll always cherish.”
“Then we move on to the basics of spinning.”
“If you’d like to join us for a workshop, just get in touch — we’d love to welcome you to the farm.”