About Us

Emily Brown

Emily,Brigitte and Marilyn I grew up in the West of England with horses. My love of animals has never left me despite spending 20 years of my life in Asia, Hong Kong and Japan.

In 1997 I arrived in Switzerland and after some research purchased 4 alpacas, 3 females and 1 male from Joseph Kuonen, Termen, Switzerland. The love affair started and it was clear that there was more to these animals then their cuteness and charm—more study was required.

In order to gain more knowledge on these animals I attended an Open Day in the village of East Knoyle (where I grew up) which appeared to be the centre of alpacas in the west country, followed by a 2 day course in basic husbandry in Sussex.

In 2003, Clos du Jorat SA was set-up with the purchase of a farm in Forel Lavaux. I was asked by Alpacas of Wessex to host their quarantine from Peru to the UK for 6 months.

This was just the experience that was required. John Gaye and Tim Hey of Alpacas of Wessex were very generous with their knowledge. They were also very patient in answering all the questions. I am very grateful to them both.

With imports from South America and the UK, the herd now stands at a healthy 80 to 100 head. Annual sales required are between 20 to 25 in order to prevent the herd from expanding. The range of animals for sale annually are castrated males, hobby animals as well as top quality young breeding females and potential stud males. Prices are very competitive and we offer a follow-up service, plus a day’s basic husbandry course for those interested.

Though I am still learning about these animals, what became clear is the issue of what to do with their fantastic fibre. A second hand mill was purchased from the UK in 2004, and finally, in 2008 the first fibre was processed and sold. The machines date from 1956 and are in good working order, and though I am not mechanically trained have learnt how to run these machines with the help of the UK engineers and a colleague, Marilynn. Clos du Jorat SA are now in the position to be able to process other breeders fibre. You will find more details on this in the Alpaca Fibre section.

Working on both sides of the alpaca industry, the animal as well as the processing of the fibre, it is crystal clear that what is required is for alpaca breeders to work together to create an industry which is not only competitive in the international fibre market but also to produce an animal with a low micron, uniform colour and free of guard hair fibre. Impossible I hear many say—not with shared knowledge, breeders working more closely together and the various Alpaca Associations providing the required services for breeders to get their fibre processed.

Marilynn Johnston: Dragonfly spinner /La libellule fileuse

I have worked in humanitarian aid for over 15 years, living and working in countries such as Somalia, Sudan and Afghanistan. Now I work part-time and have rediscovered the textile arts.

Coming from a family of Irish farmers and tailors, I learnt to sew, knit and crochet at an early age. When I was a student I made some of my own clothes, but as life became much busier these things were forgotten until recently.

I can remember being fascinated as a child by a working spinning wheel, and now I have learnt to spin myself. I love spinning wool with either a spinning wheel or a drop-spindle. The rhythm of the wheel is very soothing, but a drop spindle is more portable. Alpaca fibre is wonderful to spin as it is so soft.

I also raise angora rabbits who live at the farm and provide more beautiful fibres for me to spin!

I have learnt with Emily about the textile machines and how to process the alpaca fibre on a larger scale than with just a spinning wheel.

The next textile adventures will be dyeing and weaving.

I chose the name “Dragonfly spinner*rdquo; as I love to spin fine, silky yarns, reminding me of the wings of a dragonfly. I also tend to fly from project to project and like to have several spinning or knitting projects on the go at the same time.

I am “la-libellule” on Ravelry.

Brigitte Guignet

My name is Brigitte Guignet, I am Swiss. As a young girl I spent a lot of time with my grandmother who taught me how to knit. I have devoted my time to knitting and enjoy creating new designs for adults and children.

I first met Emily and her alpacas in 2009. I already knew about alpaca wool but did not fully understand and appreciate where the product came from and how much work was involved. I enjoy knitting with alpaca wool, it is soft, fine and a pleasure.

I also hold knitting classes for anyone wishing to learn how to knit.