Karolyn Knoll
Certification
Fleece
Creating Fiber Arts since 1996, Karolyn is fully versed in fiber processing from raw fiber to finished product; translating the fleece to end product use for producers. She is passionate about all grades of fiber having a purpose and shares her love for fiber through teaching workshops and seminars.
Karolyn grew up on an active livestock farm. From cattle to poultry, she has consistently supported animal husbandry to pasture management for 20 years, always putting the health of animals first. As an active 4-H member, she bred, raised, and competitively showed sheep for eight years.
March 2017, Karolyn was introduced to alpacas through inquisitiveness of an Alpaca Farm Store. This visit allowed hands-on experience with alpacas and sparked the passion for fiber. By late December, Textiles By Karolyn was launched. Focusing on handmade alpaca products and supporting Andes Gifts, ethically sourced handmade alpaca items from Peru and Bolivia.
As time allows, Karolyn volunteers at alpaca shows including scribing, ribbon management, gate and ring steward, and even leaving her vending booth behind when called upon.
Since 2021, Karolyn has coordinated Threads and Fiber Festival in Des Moines, Iowa, connecting fiber artists to local farms and promoting education to the general public about alpaca fiber. She plans to continue this yearly event.
Karolyn and her husband, David Morris, reside on Karolyn’s Great-Grandparents homestead near Dallas Center, Iowa. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in geology with a minor in biology from UW-River Falls, WI, in 2001. She’s been working for Iowa State University as a Business Administrator since 2021. Karolyn became an AOA-certified fleece judge in 2023.