Fiber

~ Fiber ~

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.

Alpaca Fiber Prices Rising Due to Increased Demand From China and Europe

Online Alpaca retailer sees higher prices ahead due to increased demand from China and Europe and limited supply from South America. Americans will need to get used to higher prices on alpaca apparel products since most are imported from Peru and there is strong demand abroad combined with a weak dollar.

Brentwood, CA (PRWEB) November 30, 2007 [Alpaca Direct] an on-line provider of Alpaca apparel, knitting yarns and pima cotton sleepwear, today announced strong demand for its Quality luxury knitting yarns and apparel during the holiday season. This is despite increasing prices due to increased demand from China and Europe and the devaluation of the dollar compared to south American currencies like the Peruvian Sol. "We're seeing strong upward price pressures in the 15-20% range due to the currency issues and strong demand outside the United States," say Kelley Hobart, the company founder and chief buyer. The recent economic boom in China has affected worldwide supplies for Alpaca yarn as the high-end apparel makers have begun targeting the elite shoppers in Asia who can appreciate warm, stylish premium apparel.

Quality [alpaca apparel] is lightweight, soft as cashmere and warmer than wool. American consumers are beginning to discover the many unique benefits of Alpaca Apparel. This natural hollow-core fiber is lightweight and thermal regulating, making it a perfect fit for creating versatile sweaters, ponchos and socks that can be worn throughout the year.

About Alpacas

Alpaca are native to the high Andes Mountains of South America. Domesticated for centuries by the Inca of Peru, their precious fleece was worn only by royalty. Alpaca produce over twenty natural shades of a fiber that is soft as cashmere and stronger than wool. This unique hollow core fiber is extremely light yet retains the ability to warm its wearer against even the harshest winter chills. Alpaca are still very rare in the United States with the current US alpaca population at about 50,000. The average female alpaca sells for between $15,000 and $30,000 dollars in the US market.