Nationals Education Schedule

Thursday, March 12

Show Ring Protocol: Competing With Confidence with Laurel Shouvlin

Learn the ins and outs of showing alpacas in the halter ring! This session covers proper ring etiquette, handling techniques, and strategies to present your alpaca with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or looking to refine your skills, you’ll leave ready to step into the ring with poise and professionalism.

Pin Loom Weaving: Small Squares, Endless Possibilities: Hands-on with Char Johnson

Curious about creating beautiful handmade items with a simple tool? Join us to discover the art of pin loom weaving! A pin loom is a small, portable, handheld frame used to weave 4-inch squares that can be sewn together into scarves, blankets, bags, and more.

In this hands-on seminar, you’ll learn the basics of weaving on a pin loom and explore creative ideas for turning your squares into gifts or products perfect for a farm store. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, you’ll leave inspired by the endless possibilities these small woven squares can offer.

Fiber Samples: Money-Saving Packing Tips with Marie Schlater

In this session, Marie walks you step by step through how to package samples correctly to avoid delays, retesting fees, and unnecessary shipping costs. You will learn the proper amount of fiber to collect, how to label and protect samples, and what documentation to include before mailing. Leave with clear, simple guidelines that help you protect your budget while ensuring accurate, reliable results.

Creating Art Batts: Blending Color, Texture, and Imagination: Live Demo with Char Johnson

Art batts are a delightful way to blend colors and textures into a one-of-a-kind fiber creation. These fluffy, carded layers of fiber are as visually stunning as they are tactile, offering a rich sensory experience that fiber artists love.

In this seminar, participants will explore how to combine fibers, colors, and specialty add-ins to create unique batts perfect for spinning or felting. Whether you prefer bold, dramatic blends or soft, subtle gradients, you’ll discover techniques to design batts that reflect your personal artistic style.

Exclusive Educational Seminar with SGS New Zealand

The world leader in fiber testing with over 75 years of industry expertise, SGS delivers trusted testing, inspection, and verification services to ensure fiber products meet global quality and sustainability standards.

SGS experts are traveling all the way from New Zealand to share their knowledge with our alpaca community.

The Joy of Spinning: Finding Peace in Fiber with A Spinning Wheel Demo with Char Johnson

Spinning yarn is a little like heaven. It’s soothing. It’s relaxing. It’s meditative and centering. As your hands work the fiber, your mind begins to quiet. Yesterday fades. Tomorrow can wait. Even today slips gently into the background.

In this seminar, you’ll discover the timeless art of turning fiber into yarn. Whether you are brand new or simply curious, you’ll experience how raw fiber transforms through rhythm and motion into something both beautiful and useful. This is more than a craft—it’s a moment of calm you won’t want to miss.

Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom: Hands-On with Char Johnson

Learn to weave on a compact, user-friendly, and versatile rigid heddle loom. Perfect for beginners and a favorite among experienced weavers who appreciate its portability, this loom makes creating beautiful textiles simple and enjoyable.

In this fun, hands-on session, you’ll discover how to weave scarves, towels, and other home textiles of your own. Come experience the satisfaction of turning thread into fabric!

Fiber Samples: Money-Saving Packing Tips with Marie Schlater

In this session, Marie walks you step by step through how to package samples correctly to avoid delays, retesting fees, and unnecessary shipping costs. You will learn the proper amount of fiber to collect, how to label and protect samples, and what documentation to include before mailing. Leave with clear, simple guidelines that help you protect your budget while ensuring accurate, reliable results.

Marketing Photos 101: Lighting & Angles for What Buyers Want To See with Cadence Rarden

Discover the essentials of photographing fiber to create compelling images that enhance your marketing efforts. This seminar covers lighting, composition, background choices, and tips for capturing texture and color accurately. Learn how strong visuals can help you promote, sell, and showcase your fiber creations effectively.

Alpaca 101 Getting Started with Alpacas: What You Need To Know with Scott Miller

Thinking about raising alpacas? This introductory seminar covers the essentials for getting started. Learn about basic care, housing, fencing, nutrition, herd health, and daily management. We’ll also discuss what to expect as a new alpaca owner.

Whether you’re considering alpacas for fiber, breeding, or simply as charming additions to your farm, this session will give you the practical knowledge and confidence to begin.

Create Your Own Needle Felted Project with Char Johnson

Discover the fun and creativity of needle felting! This beginner-friendly workshop introduces you to the art of dry felting—a technique that uses specialized barbed needles to tangle and compress soft wool fibers into charming 3D objects or decorative 2D designs.

Using alpaca roving, felting needles, and a simple foam surface, you’ll sculpt and shape your own unique project. Needle felting is forgiving, versatile, and wonderfully satisfying—perfect for creating animals, small works of art, or adding decorative touches to textiles. No experience necessary!

Fiber Samples: Money-Saving Packing Tips with Marie Schlater

In this session, Marie walks you step by step through how to package samples correctly to avoid delays, retesting fees, and unnecessary shipping costs. You will learn the proper amount of fiber to collect, how to label and protect samples, and what documentation to include before mailing. Leave with clear, simple guidelines that help you protect your budget while ensuring accurate, reliable results.

Weaving on a Table Top Tapestry Loom: Hands-on with Char Johnson

Join us and explore the art of tapestry weaving on a tabletop loom! This compact, upright weaving frame is perfect for creating detailed textiles such as decorative wall hangings and small artistic pieces.

In this hands-on session, you’ll learn the basics of setting up your loom, selecting fibers, and weaving simple tapestry techniques. Whether you’re new to weaving or looking to try something creative and portable, this class offers a wonderful introduction to textile art.

Alpaca 101 Getting Started with Alpacas: What You Need To Know with Scott Miller

Thinking about raising alpacas? This introductory seminar covers the essentials for getting started. Learn about basic care, housing, fencing, nutrition, herd health, and daily management. We’ll also discuss what to expect as a new alpaca owner.

Whether you’re considering alpacas for fiber, breeding, or simply as charming additions to your farm, this session will give you the practical knowledge and confidence to begin.

Knitting/Crocheting Circle Lunch Social

Join us for a relaxed knitting and crocheting lunch social filled with creativity and conversation—plus some charming alpaca company! Lunch will be available for purchase on-site. All skill levels welcome.

Creating Art Batts: Blending Color, Texture, and Imagination: Live Demo with Char Johnson

Art batts are a delightful way to blend colors and textures into a one-of-a-kind fiber creation. These fluffy, carded layers of fiber are as visually stunning as they are tactile, offering a rich sensory experience that fiber artists love.

In this seminar, participants will explore how to combine fibers, colors, and specialty add-ins to create unique batts perfect for spinning or felting. Whether you prefer bold, dramatic blends or soft, subtle gradients, you’ll discover techniques to design batts that reflect your personal artistic style.

Fiber Samples: Money-Saving Packing Tips with Marie Schlater

In this session, Marie walks you step by step through how to package samples correctly to avoid delays, retesting fees, and unnecessary shipping costs. You will learn the proper amount of fiber to collect, how to label and protect samples, and what documentation to include before mailing. Leave with clear, simple guidelines that help you protect your budget while ensuring accurate, reliable results.

Roundtable with AOA Executive Director. Let's discuss what's on your mind.

Join the AOA Executive Director for a discussion on topics important to you. This open forum provides the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and engage directly with leadership.

The Joy of Spinning: Finding Peace in Fiber with A Spinning Wheel Demo with Char Johnson

Spinning yarn is a little like heaven. It’s soothing. It’s relaxing. It’s meditative and centering. As your hands work the fiber, your mind begins to quiet. Yesterday fades. Tomorrow can wait. Even today slips gently into the background.

In this seminar, you’ll discover the timeless art of turning fiber into yarn. Whether you are brand new or simply curious, you’ll experience how raw fiber transforms through rhythm and motion into something both beautiful and useful. This is more than a craft—it’s a moment of calm you won’t want to miss.

Interactive Fiber Arts Booth Open