Alpaca Fibre Information
Alpacas have been selectively bred for their fine fibre for more than 5000 years. Over the centuries alpaca coat colour was diversified and fibre production was refined. Guard hair, which is present on the wild guanaco and vicuna and the domestic llama, has for the most part been bred out of the alpaca. Alpacas have two different types of fleece: Suri and Huacaya. Suri alpacas are distinguished by their long silky fibre that grows parallel to the body and hangs in long, separate, distinctive pencil locks. It has a slick hand and softness with an exquisite luster. Huacaya alpacas are distinguished by their thick dense fleece growing vertically from the body. Huacaya fibre has a brightness or sheen. Alpacas have been selectively bred for their fine fibre for more than 5000 years. Over the centuries alpaca coat colour was diversified and fibre production was refined. Guard hair, which is present on the wild guanaco and vicuna and the domestic llama, has for the most part been bred out of the alpaca. Alpacas have two different types of fleece: Suri and Huacaya. Suri alpacas are distinguished by their long silky fibre that grows parallel to the body and hangs in long, separate, distinctive pencil locks. It has a slick hand and softness with an exquisite luster. Huacaya alpacas are distinguished by their thick dense fleece growing vertically from the body. Huacaya fibre has a brightness or sheen.
Alpaca is considered to be a relatively rare specialty fibre. Worldwide approximately 4000 tons of alpaca fibre is produced each year in comparison to 5000 tons of Cashmere, 8500 tons of Angora rabbit and 22,000 tons of Mohair. Of the 4000 tons of alpaca produced annually, less than 1% of that is produced each year in North America. We, in North America, are at the very early stages of the alpaca fibre industry, and there is incredible room for expansion and development of this natural fibre resource.
Alpaca fibre combines a number of extremely desirable attributes into one fibre:
1. Alpaca fibre is silky, soft, supple and smooth to the touch. It is prized for its unique silky feel and luxurious handle.
2. Alpaca is found in 22 distinct colours which can be blended into an infinite array of natural shades.
3. Alpaca is unusually strong and resilient. The strength does not diminish as it becomes finer.
4. Alpaca is as soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and stronger than lamb’s wool.
5. Alpaca is easily dyed any colour and always retains its natural lustre.
6. Alpaca is more thermally efficient than wool, cashmere, or cotton and is naturally water repellent
7. Most people allergic to wool can comfortably wear pure alpaca next to their skin due to the manner of scale placement along the shaft of each fibre and the fact that it does not contain lanolin.
8. Today, alpaca graces fashion collections around the world: Frankfurt, Florence, Paris, London, New York, Milan and Tokyo.
WASHING INSTRUCTIONS:
Socks - Wash in washing machine (cold or warm water), hang up to dry.
All Articles with mixed fiber (Alpaca and synthetic and fibre) - Hand Wash in mild detergent (Zero) or Machine Wash in mild detergent (e.g. Zero) if label says machine wash use gentle cycle, cold water, lay flat to dry
100% Alpaca and Alpaca/Natural fiber blend - hand wash in lukewarm water with mild detergent. Do not wring out. Gently squeeze. Rinse with same temperature water. Lay flat to dry. (Reshape if necessary)
100% knitted and felted mitts: Put on hands and wash with mild detergent in sink. Rinse in same temperature water. Remove from hands, reshape and lay flat to dry.
Ravenscrag Alpaca Fashions
With the exception of the Alpaca socks all our Alpaca Fashions are made by Linda Tarney with fiber from our own animals. Check out the price tag to see the picture of the animal your article came from! Items may be purchased with Visa or Mastercard by phone or email. Actual shipping costs will be added.