a day with the spinning group

So today I went with 20 other women, most of them much older than me, though all of them weavers and spinners, on a day trip to many interesting places. We started by going to the Mill, which is where special ordered and commercial yarn is produced- after seeing all that goes into making that lovely ball of yarn in the store, I now know why is costs so much! It was such an interesting and eye opening experience- I took pics, though I doubt anyone would be interested in seeing them other and me and Gen! After this we went to an alpaca farm, where they have 140 alpacas!!! We got to see different types of fleece and learn about alpaca fiber- again, no one would likely be interested other than Gen and I! We also went to different weaving studios, as well as this amazing artist studio where artist, Angela Micchum, works her magic- and magic it is. She makes some of the most amazing pieces of art using all sorts of different things- anywhere from sand to silk to wax to plaster- how inspiring! I now have some cool ideas for things that I want to try when I get home!
I also saw the creepiest thing ever today- I went to the washroom, where there were clear toilet seats with RAZOR blades in them- who thinks of these things?!
I am now also looking into buying my first spinning wheel....I have some amazing wool that needs to be spun (that's right, my dyeing turned out great!) that I am sending to my parents house tomorrow (keep and eye out for that huh mom?? I am getting a tracking number this time....hopefully it gets there before me!)
Well, I am sure that I am missing things, but I am going to get going- this is my last night here with Biddy and Russell, and I don't want to spend it on the computer!
Tomorrow I am off to Christchurch tomorrow to meet up with Dustin and Sheena, as they are flying out to Fiji Sunday and I want to see them off!
Will post again soon!