Background

Wini Labrecque is a textile artist with interest in a wide variety of techniques.
She has a very strong passion for fiber. Since the late 1980's, utilizing natural fibers, Wini has been spinning, weaving, knitting and felting from raw form to finished product. Her handspun skeins and woven/knit goods are sold at area art festivals and in area specialty shops. Many have taken ribbons at various shows.

Wini teaches classes in beginning spinning, felting, and/or weaving to individuals or small groups. She has presented many special programs to area fiber guilds, Girl Scouts, 4H groups, alpaca farms and alpaca conferences. She is the weaver on the sheep to shawl team for her local guild, competing in competitions 2-3 times each year at the county and state level where she has won the weavers award on more than one occasion.

Once exposed to alpacas and their wonderful fiber, she has been utilizing and promoting the fiber to everyone who will listen.

Wini is currently training as an Apprentice Fleece Judge for the alpaca industry. She recently passed part 1 of a Certification course on grading camelid fiber. She is also a presenter at many alpaca shows and events on topics relating to fleece and fiber. Her passion for alpaca fiber has led her to a project to develop a wash and wear alpaca fabric. She is currently working with the NC College of Textiles in Research & Development of this product.

Her animal experience includes 10 years as a Veterinary Assistant, raising Cashmere Goats for over 10 years and keeping a fiber herd of alpaca wethers for over 7 years. Horses, sheep and rabbits were among earlier livestock kept on her property.