Winifred Labrecque

Accredited Spin-Off Judge

Contact Wini

Wini Labrecque has been involved in the fiber industry since the late 1980s. With a focus on natural fibers, she has developed an extensive background in utilization and promotion of all types of fibers for practical and commercial use. Wini is a weaver, hand spinner, felter, knitter, crocheter and dyer.

She is an AOA Certified Alpaca Fleece Judge, Certified Camelid Fiber Grader/Sorter/Classer through Olds College in Canada, Trained Grader/Sorter of cashmere fiber as well as trained in judging cashmere. Wini is working with a company to help develop better cashmere production, collection and marketing with nomad people of Kyrgyzstan. Working with IYAK (Int’l Yak Association) she has been instrumental in developing criteria and judging protocol for yak fiber both on and off the animal. Wini is a past founding partner in a company dedicated to utilization of all grades of alpaca fiber into woven fabric for home décor use.

A retired Veterinary Assistant, Wini and her husband John have raised alpacas, cashmere producing goats, angora goats, sheep and angora rabbits over the years. They currently have 5 alpacas including 1 suri that are utilized for fiber production. Wini’s background gives her the unique opportunity to share her knowledge with others to help enhance their own livestock programs.