OUR STORY

Seventeen years ago, we (Jo Gaha and Helen Jenkins) decided to start a small alpaca herd together. We wanted to enjoy these intriguing animals, while producing quality fibre that would result in high quality yarn and knitted items. The first few animals were agisted, then moved onto the farm that Jo and husband Gary bought in Michelago. Once on the farm, we gave a lot of thought to the process of producing fibre (hence yarn) that would be of the highest quality, as natural as possible, totally produced in Australia.

Some years later, Ann Harrison, a friend from a neighbouring property, joined us as a third partner. Ann has developed spinning and knitting expertise, and specialises in one off unique, handspun high quality yarn.

Our focus at Pacawoolly is on "natural". This includes our management of the land, of the animals, and of the product from our alpacas – both yarn and handmade items. We have experimented in the use of the fibre with the best being milled into yarn and lesser quality being used for filling (as in toys). Initially we planned to breed for white only then changed direction and have bred for colour as well. We have experimented with hand dyeing our white yarn using ecologically sound dyes and processes. Using natural processes for dyeing, with plant-based dyes and hand procedures, we have produced one off colours in quality yarn. We have then knitted or woven this yarn to produce one off items.

Over the years we have sold our products through our website pacawoolly.com.au and at various markets, although recently we have concentrated on selling at the weekly produce market at Bungendore in autumn, winter and early spring.