ALPACA FIBER FACTS:

For centuries, Alpacas and their fleeces have been a cherished treasure of the Andean Indians of South America. Today, alpaca fiber continues to be prized for its unique characteristics. Alpaca fiber is soft, supple and smooth to the touch. Alpacas produce a fine fiber with an absence of guard hair in their prime fleece.

Alpaca fiber is found in 22 distinct colors. Differently colored fiber can be blended to produce an infinite array of natural color. It is easily dyed any color and still retains its natural luster. Alpaca fiber is strong. It has microscopic air pockets that create lightweight garments with high insulation value. No other specialty fiber can match the handle of alpaca fiber.

There are two types of alpacas. The Huacaya has a fleece that has crimp, or wavy characteristics, that enhances its use in spinning. It is the dense, crimpy character of this fleece that gives the huacaya alpaca a "teddy bear" look. In contrast, the Suri has a lustrous fiber with no crimp. This fiber is arranged in locks.

Alpacas are sheared annually. Fiber yield is approximately five pounds from a female and eight pounds or more from the larger male. Cria fiber is the first clip from a young alpaca and is extra fine with a lustrous feel.