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Thursday, July 18, 2013

A Description Of Alpaca Fiber For Sale

By Chelsea Evans


There is a growing market for the natural fiber that is retrieved from alpacas. The fibers are similar to that of the wool from sheep, but has no lanolin. This makes the natural fibers preferable to those who are looking for a hypoallergenic product. The fibers are luxurious, silky, durable and soft. Two other characteristics are notable. It is hard to ignite and it tends to be naturally water repellent. Here are a few facts about why you should consider finding alpaca fiber for sale.

The animals were originally bred in the Andes Mountains of Peru. They thrive in elevations ranging from ten thousand to fourteen feet. Expanding outward from Peru, they are also found in Australia, New Zealand and North America. They are also found in other South American countries. Production has been ongoing for at least two thousand years, as shown by remnants of cloth found with fibers of alpaca.

Two major types of fibers are derived from the fleece of alpacas. The Suri version is longer with minimal crimping. The feel of these suri types are silky. These are often utilized for woven products such as in making quality men's and women's suits by Armani. The second type of animal is the Huacaya fleece. The coat of this animal is somewhat spongy. It is naturally crimped so the yarn produced has good elasticity. Knitters prefer this type of yarn.

Baby alpaca produce a velvet soft and silky fiber that is highly desirable. The standard type of fibers are no less attractive and luxurious, especially if graded. The highest quality products were those dedicated to royalty in the Incas. Regardless of the grade, the products are warm, yet lightweight.

For those people who are interested in locally produced yarns, buying the fibers from a local producer is an option. Some also choose to raise an animal or two in a small acreage in order to have a supply of the luxury fiber. In North America, Australia, and New Zealand, there are co-ops that coordinate product sales to reduce the costs of the fibers.

Shearing in the high elevation flocks usually occurs every other year, just before the beginning of the rainy months. Each shearing typically results in a fleece weighing approximately 8 pounds. The classification of "baby alpaca" is the label on the first fleece. Select and Royal grades are other types of fineness. In North American and elsewhere, animals usually are sheared annually, since these locations allow for a flock that has higher quality fleece that is heavier.

A range of natural colors is available to spinners. In fact, instead of just black and white, as would be found in sheep's wool, there are more than 40 different colors that occur in nature. The lighter hues can easily be dyed, or natural colors of ivory, brown, gray and tans in a entire range of shades are available.

The benefits of choosing alpaca fiber for sale include versatility and product comfort. The yarns are hypoallergenic and soft to the touch. Selecting agricultural products from this region of South America helps to promote the local economy with a sustainable crop.




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