Soft Fibers & Selfies: Life at Sundrop Alpacas
By Leslie Cooperband, farmer & storyteller
Fluffy faces and impossibly soft fleece steal the show at Sundrop Alpacas near Bement. Along with meeting curious alpacas, visitors can browse handmade fiber goods and take fiber arts classes. Co-owner Stephanie Block says that the farm blends two lifelong passions: animals and education.
Farm History
Stephanie Block grew up on a multigenerational dairy farm in northwest Illinois, where caring for animals was simply part of everyday life. Alongside milking cows, she raised pigs and rabbits as 4-H projects, developing an early love for livestock and agriculture.
That passion eventually led her to study animal science at the University of Illinois before earning a PhD from Cornell University. Years later, after relocating to central Illinois for work with ADM, Stephanie and her partner purchased a small 3.5-acre farm near Bement where they hoped to raise animals and give their three daughters the opportunity to participate in 4-H and livestock shows themselves.
Because of the farm’s smaller size, alpacas turned out to be the perfect fit. After purchasing their first animals from friends, the family quickly fell into the world of alpaca husbandry and fleece production. As their alpaca herd grew, Stephanie expanded the products that made from their fiber. The family also began to open their farm to the public on a limited basis, as well as offer tours, special events, and classes.
Today, Sundrop Alpacas is home to 14 alpacas representing two breeds: Huacaya, known for dense fleece like sheep’s wool, and Suri, whose silky fleece resembles mohair. Their natural colors range from white to brown to jet black.
From Science Teacher to Fiber Farmer
Stephanie lights up when talking about both animals and education—and Sundrop Alpacas gives her the opportunity to blend those passions together every day.
In addition to running the farm, Stephanie works full time as a middle school science teacher, and she approaches the farm with that same spirit of curiosity and learning. She loves teaching people how to make beautiful and useful things out of their alpaca fiber.
Stephanie’s also deeply proud of the herd’s award-winning fiber quality. Blue ribbons line the walls of the farm store, showcasing years of success in fiber competitions. Stephanie laughs that she loves “shiny ribbons,” but behind those awards are years of careful breeding, husbandry, and dedication.
The Magic of Alpaca Fiber
Stephanie enjoys educating visitors about what makes alpacas unique, from their personalities to the remarkable qualities of their fleece, which is naturally soft, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and incredibly warm.
She shares fun alpaca facts throughout tours and classes, often describing their animals as “show-quality alpacas with pet personalities.” Visitors especially love learning about the differences between the alpacas’ fibers and seeing how fleece becomes finished products like socks, gloves, hats, and scarves.
The farm store also gives guests a chance to browse handmade alpaca goods crafted both from their own herd’s fiber and through partnerships with fiber cooperatives in New England.
Unique Experiences
Sundrop Alpacas specializes in experiences that feel approachable, interactive, and fun. One visitor favorite is “Snuggles and Selfies,” where guests can meet, pet, and pose for photos with the alpacas, usually with the help of a strategically placed carrot or two.
Beyond tours and alpaca meet-and-greets, Sundrop Alpacas has become a hub for fiber arts and hands-on creativity. Stephanie offers workshops ranging from beginner-friendly felt projects for kids and families to more advanced needle-felting and spinning classes.
She also teaches fiber arts classes at both Allerton Park & Retreat Center and Parkland College, helping even more people discover traditional textile skills in a welcoming environment.
The farm hosts private events like birthday parties and group tours as well, though open hours vary by season due to the family’s busy schedule. Guests are encouraged to follow the farm’s Facebook page for updates, classes, and special events.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Stephanie hopes to expand into fleece-dyeing and hat-making workshops while continuing to breed award-winning alpacas and share the joy of fiber arts with visitors of all ages.
Visitors come to Sundrop Alpacas curious, then leave fascinated by the world of fiber arts and the care that goes into raising these gentle animals. Between the alpaca selfies, hands-on crafting classes, and irresistibly fluffy personalities, Sundrop Alpacas offers a warm reminder that sometimes the softest experiences leave the biggest impression.
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