Fleece Skirting & More Clinic

The summer breeze was blowing and the education was flowing at AOBA Judge and Judge Trainer, Tim Lavan's Fleece Skirting and More Clinic, held Saturday, June 25th and Sunday, August 28th, 2005 at Chase Tavern Farm.

Students learned more about alpaca fiber not only more about the characteristics and fleece styles but how the AOBA judging system and judges use the fleece scoring cards. Once you know what the judges are looking for, skirting your fleece makes more sense and the afternoon practical hands-on was invaluable in helping many students pull the full picture together.

Clinic dates for late spring/early summer will be posted soon. Contact us for more information.

"Your seminar was exactly what I was looking for. I learned a lot from Tim and you and appreciate the fact that you took time out of your busy schedule to provide the information. I will show my fleeces from now on. I wouldn't change a thing. Thanks."

~Geri Gabriel, Lakeside Alpaca Farm

"I want to thank both you and Tim for the educated seminar today. I myself, learned a lot. Really looking closely at your fiber to determine all the factors involved for fleece judging. Especially uniformity. Tim is excellent."

~Donna Ferrera, Oakhill Ranch

"Your class was excellent, good for new breeders, not so new and I venture to say, even for some "old breeders". I can't think of anything you can do to make it better. Congratulations for such a good job!.

~ Patricio & Veronica Mujica, Aconcagua Alpaca Farm

"I really learned at lot, and learned that my fleeces are not any dirtier than anyone else's and I don't need to spend an inordinate amount of time picking them over. I think that was holding me back from showing them, and now I'm over that barrier. That in itself has opened up a whole new world."

~Pam Drew, Pamelamas

"I thought yesterday was terrific. I really learned a lot, and look forward to practicing on more fleeces.

I think the way Tim addressed the skirting from the "what the judges are looking for/seeing" point of view is the way to go. He's right: skirting becomes self-evident when you know what you do and don't want the judge to see. The hands-on part with our fleeces was great, but only after Tim's info in the AM.

Yes, it was warm, but with the breeze, tent, trees, and plenty to drink, I was quite comfortable. Overall, it was excellent without being overwhelming, and I'll recommend the workshop to anyone who asks."

~ Pam Harwood, Longwoods Alpaca Farm