 Alpacas were a cherished treasure
of the ancient Inca civilization. Domesticated over 5000 years ago in the harsh climate of the Andes Mountains
of South America, they provided clothing, shelter, fuel and food.
Alpacas produce one
of the worlds finest and most luxurious natural fibers. Soft as cashmere, warmer, lighter and stronger than wool,
it is recognized by the worldwide fiber market in 22 natural colors. Ranging from pure white through fawn, browns
to a true jet black. Colors shade out from steel blue to pale silver and even a vibrant
rose-grey, our favorite!
Alpaca has a natural, rich
luster, with a silky feel. It blends well with wool, mohair and silk and dyes easily. For the spinner trying this
fiber unblended for the first time a little more twist than is usual for wool and a soft ply will give the desired
result. If alpaca is plied with a high crimp wool both fibers must be washed as singles. The wool has a tendency
to shrink more than Alpaca and can produce a spiral yarn if this isn't done. An easy way to produce a designer
yarn if that suits your requirements!
 Alpaca fiber is 3 to 6 inches
in length, depending on the shearing method and schedule. The micron count ranges from 17 to 35, with the first
clip from crias being prized for its fineness. Fleece weights range from 3 pounds for crias to 10 pounds for mature
males. Alpaca is easier and less expensive to process than sheep's wool due to its lack of lanolin. It produces
a higher yield of clean fiber after processing - 87 to 95 percent versus 43 to 76 percent for wool.
READ:
ALPACA FIBER FROM THE TEXTILE POINT OF VIEW
The Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North
America Inc.
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