Fiber farms open to public for tour Fiber farms open to public for tour

Non Woven Cloth They say fiber is a healthy fit, even if it comes from a cute, fuzzy alpaca.     Washington County farms will host their 16th annual Fiber Tour -- the kind you wear -- this weekend.The uses for the fleece of alpacas, sheep, llamas and Angora goats and rabbits will be featured on the tour of 14 farms across the county. Tourists are also sure to meet other farm animals like frolicking baby lambs and friendly pets along the way."The kids get a big kick out of meeting the animals every year," said Faith Perkins, owner of Quarry Ridge Farms, where they care for more than two dozen alpacas, a South American animal that is a member of the camel family.Participants can also learn how yarn is made and see spinning, knitting, weaving and felting, an ancient process of making non-woven cloth.Fiber dyeing in traditional and modern techniques with different media will be demonstrated. The tour also includes maple sugar houses and other crafts and gift shops.It is not a guided tour from farm to farm -- the driving through the scenic countryside is up to the participant.The farms will be open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The following farms and businesses are on the tour:Crazy As a Loom, 3835 state Route 4, Kingsbury. Large selection of handwoven rag rugs, place mats, table runners, totes and more.Holly Hill Farm, County Route 43, Hartford. Visit sheep, Angora goats, chickens, cows, old farm equipment and a complete line of maple syrup products.Sheepy Hollow Farm, 493 county Route 47, Argyle. The farm features rare Navajo churro sheep, spring lambs and shearing and weaving demonstrations.Simple Pleasures Farm, 588 Chamberlain Mill Road, Salem. Sheep and Angora goats will be on display, as will weaving demonstrations.Quarry Ridge Alpacas, 453 Quarry Road, Salem. Award-winning stock, pet alpacas, livestock, guard dogs and an awesome view will be offered.Fiber Kingdom, 137 E. Broadway, Salem. Angora rabbits, spinning shop and everything for the weaver will be on display.Battenkill Llamas, 1278 state Route 313, Cambridge. Small family farm that raises llamas for fiber and show will welcome visitors.Eagle Crest Farm, 65 county Route 78, Cambridge. Baby alpacas will be shown and fiber demonstrations will be conducted.Enchanted Farm, 1542 county Route 59, Cambridge. Enjoy the farm and fine arts studio with a baby alpaca and a dry kiss from alpaca Kioti, the farm's PR man.Big Red Llamas, 366 Conley Road, Cambridge. Visitors can meet the big red llamas and examine fine colored fiber.Haven Hill Alpacas, 20 Stevenson Road, Greenwich. Visitors can see nine alpacas in colors from white to black, rabbits, dogs, horses, cats and chinchillas and a farm store, Alpaca Attic.Ensign Brook Farm, 1930 county Route 113, Greenwich. Romney and Cheviot spring lambs will be on display and the Sheep-N Kids 4-H Club will demonstrate spinning and dying from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Goods from the Moses Sap House will be available