Alpacas share a similar history and origin with the llama and have lived as domesticated animals alongside their larger cousins for an estimated 6,000 years.  The llama and the alpaca are completely domestic animals, while the guanaco and the vicuna are still found in wild herds.  A species of guanaco is considered to be the wild ancestor of the llama while a species of vicuna is the ancestor of the alpaca.  The timid vicuna, once an endangered species, produces a small quantity of very soft fiber.  Alpacas and llama can cross-breed and produce a sterile offspring called a Huarizo.  Like llamas, alpacas have vocalizations that they use within the herd to communicate.  The sounds that they make include humming, a frightened whine, an excited "wark" or a friendly clicking.  Since they are herd animals, vocalizations and fighting among males establish herd dominance.  Like llamas, alpacas can spit, but they do not seem to spit as often.  An alpaca that is annoyed at another alpaca, or human, might spit!  Alpacas are generally smaller than llamas and are not used as herd guardians. 

Alpaca wool can be harvested from the llama by shearing,  usually once a year.  Most producers first clean the fleece while it is still on the animal by using blowers or brushing to remove any debris picked up in the field.   Then the animals are sheared or clipped, either on a protective tarp or sheet on the ground or on a table.  Shearing an alpaca can take thirty to forty-five minutes.  After clipping the fleece is skirted to remove any matted fiber or any short fiber from the neck and legs. Alpaca  wool does not have lanolin, like sheep's wool, and depending on how dusty the fiber is, the fleece might not have to be washed.  Since alpaca is grease free, it is a good substitute for wool for people who are allergic to wool. 

The two breeds of alpaca produce different types of fiber.  Suri alpacas produce a long, usually straight lock with a shine and very little crimp.  It is silky and has a unique luster.  The lock structure of the suri fleece should be well-defined.    Huacaya alpacas are more common in the United States and produce a coat that is more dense than the Suri.  The fleece is generally uniform in length and very soft.  The fiber of the huacaya has more crimp and is easier to spin and blend with other fibers than suri.  Many people compare huacaya fiber to cashmere.

Alpaca is a lightweight fiber that, though soft and luxurious, is very durable.  A well-spun alpaca yarn should not pill with use and garments made from alpaca attract less static than wool.  Natural colored alpacas come in many colors so that alpaca does not have to be dyed to achieve wonderful variations in natural color.  Alpaca fiber and yarns dye beautifully as well.  Alpaca is often blended with wool to add memory and elasticity.  Other fibers that work well with alpaca and add different qualities are mohair, silk and angora.  Sandra had some wonderful yarn here that was a blend of alpaca and soy silk!

Some alpaca fleeces, if very dusty or dirty, might have to be washed before the fiber is prepared for spinning.  First, pick out any pieces of straw, hay or weeds while the alpaca fiber is dry.  The fiber should be treated gently to prevent felting and washed in lukewarm water with a mild detergent.  It may have to be rinsed repeatedly until the water runs clear to get it clean.  Spread the fibers out so that air can get through to dry the fiber quickly.

Alpaca can be hand-carded into rolags with cards that have fine teeth to create a very soft woolen yarn for knitting.  It can also be drum carded or sent to a small mill to be processed into roving, or even spun into yarn.  Other fibers can be blended with alpaca with any one of these processes.  Alpaca yarn is very versatile and can be used for baby garments, scarves, shawls, hats and more in knit, crochet or woven.  Yarns blended with wool and other fibers can be used for nearly any project.  To care for garments made from alpaca yarn, it is suggested that items be hand washed and carefully laid flat to dry in the shape and size of the original piece.

Atlantic Breeze Alpacas is the main supplier of alpaca and alpaca yarns for Greenberry House.  Currently we have several different weights of her yarn, from bulky to sport weight.  Most of her fiber is baby alpaca and the softness of her yarns, roving and fleece is not to be believed until your put your hands on it.  Come out to Greenberry House to visit the Atlantic Breeze booth and try these lovely yarns and fibers for yourself!