Geneva Green Market: Geneva, Illinois – A Local Food Green Farmers Market

February is Fiber-aury month at the Community Winter Market. Rivendell Alpacas has been joining us each week with examples of their handmade quality fiber goods; from raw fibers to spin and beginner’s kits to assorted handmade products such as mittens, hats, slippers and beautiful scarves and toasty blankets. They have also been doing talks and small demos while offering sign-up and information for additional instruction, either privately or class setting.

Rivendell Alpacas started in 2000 when Jill and Gordon Muirhead moved from California to Gordon’s family farm in Plato Center, IL. Jill was already serious about alpacas and learning everything she could when the opportunity to start Rivendell Alpacas presented itself. Asked how they came up with the name they said it was in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings: “Rivendell was a safe place for the elves. We want our agisters to know that it is a safe place for the alpacas as well.”

Alpacas, though not native, are being productively raised and enjoyed throughout North America. They produce some of the world’s finest and most luxurious natural fibers. Fiber, which, is said to be almost indestructible and yet be healthy (being hypoallergenic and lavishly soft) and comfortable to wear due to the absence of the scratchy “prickle” with many other fibers. Furthermore, alpacas produce fleece that is available in over twenty colors with many variations. Having this astounding natural spectrum delights those that work with alpacas as it eliminates any need for dyeing. By removing this step from the process it further protects the fiber and enhances it’s resilience, softness and flexibility.

Rivendell Alpaca Farm can have over twenty alpacas at any given time. Though they do not wish to expand their herd far beyond that so that they can train the alpacas to be “human friendly”. Each fury friend has a name which one might come upon in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings “real” Rivendell. How do all the alpacas stay safe and secure you might be wondering. Francesca, the llama, is on guard duty and has proven herself a valuable protector.

Lamb of God is a later addition to our market. They specialize in chemical free produce and natural fibers. Earlier this season, they started weaving a flag with their fibers to recreate the original American flag. Beyond offering natural product, they teach classes on their farm. For more information go to www.familyfarmed.org/lambofgod.html

Here is their sustainability statement:

Our family is committed to growing our food and fiber using organic and sustainable methods.  We have chosen to grow our crops and raise our sheep naturally because our Creator destined things to be grown in a way that respects the abundant resources He has blessed us with.

We feel farming with organic methods is the only safe and wise way to farm; thus, we want our family, soil and products to be healthy and pure.  We also believe that it is our responsibility to help others learn techniques for raising their food and fiber all naturally.