Positive eNvironmental Impacts
Alpacas are called the “green animal” because of the way they treat mother earth. They have padded feet with toes instead of hoofs.
They gently graze effectively mowing the pasture. They nibble at the tops of grasses, rather than ripping up the grass like other grazing animals.
They have communal “potties, they poop and pee in a communal dung pile that helps reduce parasites and keeps waste out of water ways.
The fiber is hollow or contains air pockets – this helps it insulative value – making it lighter than sheep’s wool and 3 times warmer.
Hypoallergenic – the alpaca wool doesn’t contain lanolin – which makes it less itchy than sheep wool or cashmere.
Natural and unaltered alpaca fiber is 100% biodegradable.
Cruelty free. Our alpacas are gently and quickly shorn by a skilled craftsman. The fiber must be shorn annually or the animals would die of heat exhaustion in the summer.
Some Fun Facts
FLEECE/FIBER
​
-
Alpacas are sheared once a year to collect fiber without harm to the animal.
-
Huacaya fiber is dense and fine with a defined crimp, a full fleece looks like a teddy bear.
-
Suri hangs down vertically in locks, resembling “dreadlocks”.
-
Is 3 times warmer than sheep’s wool and softer than cashmere.
-
Has a beautiful silky sheen with high visual appeal
-
Has a higher tensile strength than wool.
-
Does not retain water. Alpaca fiber can be carded and blended with other natural and/or synthetic fibers.
-
Alpaca fiber can be easily dyed any color while keeping its lustrous sheen.
-
Alpaca fiber is versatile and uses range from fine, next-to-skin garments to upholstery and carpet.
-
Alpaca fiber will not burn.
COMMON FIBERS BLENDED WITH ALPACA
Acrylic – adds durability and machine washability
-
Wool – gives alpaca more elasticity
-
Silk – silk adds a luxurious sheen, fine gauge and elegant drape
-
Bamboo – decreases fiber variation, adds durability and crispness
-
Cotton – lends lighter weight for warmer weather wear