Alpacas are a species of camelid, though more like a sheep than a camel and resembling a small Llama. They are native to the high plains of the Andes, found mostly in Peru and also in Chile.
* Alpaca fibres are not exported, only processed products are allowed to leave the country. However, alpacas are also bred all over the world in temperate climates, from our southwest of England to the foot of the Himalayas (Hartmut web………….).
* Alpaca fleece consists of a double coat–the coarser guard hair and the coveted under fleece: a honey-coloured down that keeps the warmth in and the driving wind and snow out. They are sheared every summer, each coat providing enough for one or two blankets or throws a year; as they are usually kept in small herds, often a mere handful in the owner’s gardens, there is a limited output.
* Camelid fibre is not technically wool, it is a hollow fibre with a series of diagonal walls in the centre of the structure that make it long, strong and insulating; it is nevertheless spun in the same manner as sheep’s wool.
* The hair is silky, shiny and delicate, luxurious, durable, soft, non-itchy and totally hypoallergenic–making it suitable for those with sensitive skins, for clothing, throws, blankets, cushions, rugs, wall hangings and curtaining.
* Natural colours range from pure white to mid browns to black. It may be woven with other wools, silk or cotton to adjust the price or the hand.
look up esgryn to complete..
and lynmouth producer