Contact Information
Barb Sheach
That's a Wrap!
PO box 154 Lyndhurst (401 Lyndhurst Rd., Lyndhurst)
613-246-0112
barb.roundhousefarm@gmail.com
That's a Wrap! @RoundHouseAlpacas on FB www.moirae-fibres.com
Tell us about yourself! Hobbies? Fun facts? How did you get started?
Although I spent most of my young years living in various cities, I found 'home' when moving to a small town. I have travelled a great deal in Europe and in Africa, working and helping others with their work. I worked as a cook\chef most places I went. Settling back in Canada, we eventually moved to Northern Ontario, and bought a large acreage. I started an Alpaca Farm there. Alpacas are such fun and curious animals! Very calm and very friendly, but cautious. I had over 35 Alpacas and Llamas on the farm. My business was the fleece of the animals. Each year I would shear the fleece and then have it milled into yarn. Myself and my daughters would then knit with the alpaca yarn, making soft and warm hats, mitts, scarves, and wraps, etc.
Two years ago we had to sell the big farm for health reasons and we moved to Lyndhurst to be closer to our grown up family, and grandchildren. For the first year, I boarded some of my alpacas on a farm in Seely's Bay. Last year I decided to sell the rest of the herd and just keep the fleece after shearing. I love country living! As a hobby I have a big vegetable garden, and like to sell my fresh veggies. Years ago I trained as a chef, so another passion of mine is cooking! I love good food! I love to make my own jams and preserves. I also love to bake pies. My daughters, Beth and Meredith, have the other half of the business, Moirae Fibres. They knit mostly hats (their specialty) and have expanded to include more than alpaca yarn, but sticking with natural fibres. They also have fibre rovings to sell to spinners and weavers.
Define your business in your own words.
Knitting is my business, creating beautiful and comfortable things to wear. I am glad that I can work in something I enjoy and use my creativity. This year we decided to split the business into two. That's a Wrap! is my side of the business, I knit lovely lacy shawls, cowls and scarves, still using the alpaca yarn from my own animals, but also work in cotton and other natural fibres. I take orders for custom knitting as well. My daughters, Beth and Meredith, have the other half of the business, Moirae Fibres. They knit mostly hats (their specialty) and have expanded to include more than alpaca yarn, but sticking with natural fibres. They also have fibre rovings to sell to spinners and weavers. We have set high standards for the fibres we use.
We knit with yarns which are made from fibres that are at least 75% natural. We believe that using natural, sustainable fibres, is more eco-friendly and also more comfortable to wear. Because of its inherent qualities Alpaca fibre is rated as hypo allergenic. Most people who are allergic to sheep's wool, are able to wear alpaca without problems. Almost everything we make is 'one of a kind'. We believe that most people would like to think that they have a hat, or shawl like no other. with us this is true! With may make the same pattern more than once, but with different colours, yarns and accessories in play I can say that no two things are identical, (unless you special order something for twins and want it that way.) We all like variety and would soon be bored with knitting the same articles again and again.
What business achievement are you most proud of?
Starting the alpaca farm, learning from the ground up and doing all the work on my own for years was a lot of hard work! Seeing the end product of soft, luxurious yarn, knitted into a wearable product was a dream come true!
I love to see satisfied customers! I am so pleased when someone finds just the right style wrap, in their colour choice!
Why did you choose Gananoque/Leeds and the Thousand Islands to start your business?
When planning our move, we wanted to be 'in the country' no big city living. So we are close to Kingston, but not too close. We had lots of fibre from the previous shearing and still had some alpacas boarding nearby. Starting over again, trying to make new contacts etc. was hard, but we have a good, quality product and I believe that quality will always sell.
What words would you use to describe Gananoque/Leeds and the Thousand Islands?
This whole area is very picturesque! Lakes, beaches and lots of green! I love just driving through this countryside, in and out of its unique little hamlets and villages.
Provide a message to your future guests!
I would love to knit for you!
What is one item/service in your business customers don’t know you offer?
Soak. A Canadian made cleaning product, perfect for your delicates, or natural fibres. Made from plant derived & renewable ingredients, it is good for the environment and easy to use. No need to use soap or even rinse. Simply 'soak' for 15 minutes, then squeeze out and lay flat to dry.
That’s a Wrap! described in one word: Fresh