Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Foegelle
Hi Diana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my journey doing crochet. I was taught by my aunt. The CGOA opened the doors for me to learn more and experience a variety of yarns. I began participating in the Best Little Yarn Crawl in Texas, where I was amazed with all the types of beautiful yarn. While visiting a shop in Navasota, I met the Binders. They soon became my alpaca ranch mentors. I started my herd with 3, then quickly added a few more. Currently, I have over 50 alpacas and 10 debouillet sheep (they are fine wool sheep).
After learning all I could about different fiber and fleeces, I decided to open my own yarn shop in 2018. I offer natural and hand dyed yarns and fiber. I’m continually learning more about dyeing, fiber processing, spinning, etc. I really enjoy helping individuals to start their own fiber journey.
My shop is online, but I also have a ranch store. When you visit the ranch store, you can see the alpacas and sheep.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t believe any road is completely smooth. There are always challenges when you are chasing your dreams. It’s really a process that needs to be taken step by step. My struggles include dealing with death of some animals, pitfalls in dyeing, running a business (that yucky paperwork), dealing with mills, marketing and running the website. I’m fortunate that I have people that are willing to teach me, support me when I go to seminars and hiring terrific ranch hands.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
All of my 100% alpaca yarn and my special alpaca, wool blends come from my ranch. I also have a very popular base called Treasures, which is 80% fine alpaca and 20% mulberry silk blend. Currently, I’m the only one in Texas that carries this base. I love this base so much that I worked with the mill to get the same blend with a different yarn weight, that base is called Jewels and will be available for the first time in a few weeks.
I know the origins of all of my yarn bases and where the fiber comes from; that sets me apart from others.
What makes you happy?
I’m happy when I spending time with my animals or dyeing yarn in the shop. I also love teaching and spending time with the youth of Gonzales 4H program. I truly enjoy sharing my passion for fiber arts with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepaintedalpaca.com
- Instagram: @paintedalpaca1
- Facebook: The Painted Alpaca
