Just what is an alpaca? Part of the lama (one "L") species, the alpaca is the smaller cousin of the llama (two "L"). The average adult alpaca weighs between 100 and 175 pounds and stands about 36 inches at the withers. The average life span of these herd-oriented animals is about 20 years. Alpacas are timid and gentle, yet curious. They are easy to care for, readily trained and adapt well to all climates. Instead of hooves, they have padded feet with two toes making them gentle on the land. As ruminants, they efficiently convert grass and hay to energy, eating significantly less than most other livestock animals.

There are two kinds of alpacas - the Huacaya and the Suri. While their body types are identical, they appear distinctly different because of the unique fibers they produce. The fiber of the Huacaya alpaca is dense, crimpy (wavy) and wool-like, while the fiber of the Suri is straight, lustrous and hangs in a "dread-lock" fashion. Depending on the processing method, either type of fiber can be used for worsted or woolen products. Since their fiber grows continuously, alpacas are usually shorn once a year in the Spring.

It was just three hundred years ago that alpacas were recognized internationally for their splendid, natural fiber. Only recently did the South American governments allow limited numbers of alpacas to be exported into the United States. There are still less than 10,000 alpacas in the US. (There are more than 100,000 llamas in the US.)
Why is alpaca fiber so special? Alpaca fibers are among the softest of all animal fibers. Alpaca fiber is seven times warmer and three times stronger than sheep's wool and does not have the "prickle factor" (itchiness) associated with many animal fibers. Alpaca fleece does not contain lanolin and do not have guard hairs, making cleaning and processing very simple and enjoyable. While alpacas boast 22 natural colors - more than any other fiber-producing animal - their fiber retains its luster even when dyed with non-chemical dyes. Alpaca fibers are sought after by fiber artists for spinning, weaving, knitting, felting, lock hooking and many other fiber arts. Used alone or blended with other fibers, such as cashmere, mohair, silk, wool or cotton, alpaca products are a luxurious pleasure both to the eye and to the touch.

Terminology for Alpaca

AFCNA
Alpaca Fiber Co-op of North America. Members contribute all or a portion of their alpaca fleece each year. Members may purchase yarns and garments for their own use or to sell.
Cria
A baby alpaca. Term generally used for newborn to 6 months old. Plural: crias.
Crimp
An "S" ave found in the fiber of the huacaya alpaca.
Dam
Mother of an alpaca
Hembra
Female alpaca.
Huacaya
One of the two types of alpaca. This fiber is dense, wavy, crimped that stands out from the skin at a right angle, producing a fluffy look.
Huarizo
Offspring of an alpaca female and llama male. The fiber quality of the alpaca is compromised.
Macho
Male alpaca. Cannot say this without singing it aka village people " mach macho alpaca"
Roving
A narrow, clindrical mass of fibers, ready to be spun into yarn.
Shear
Remove of an animals fleece with shears. Alpacas are generally shorn yearly to preserve fleece quality and allow them to be comfortable in summer months.
Sire
Father of an alpaca
Yearling
A teenage "alpaca... ages 12-24 months.

Yarn Sources

Webs Online Store
Valley Yarns Deerfield in alpaca and silk blend, Valley Yarns Berkshire a wool/ alpaca blend in heavy worsted, bulky and hand dyed, Valley Yarns Lenox in alpaca and merino wool, Fibre Company Organik a NZ blend of silk and alpaca, Rowan Plaid blended,Filatura di Crosa Batuffolo blended,Elisabeth Lavalod Classic AL alpaca and wool ,Cascade Indulgence in angora and alpaca and more available!
Check out the  review of the company in Resources.

YarnMarket.com
Cherry Tree Hill Alpaca Bulky, Skacel Alpaca Seta in two weights Debbie Bliss Alpaca silk and Alpaca silk in DK,
RYC Alpaca soft in a cotton blend, Berroco Ultra Alpaca blend, Maggi Knits brushed alpaca heavy worsted, and more!

Fabulous Yarn.com
Blue Sky Alpaca, in gorgeous colors availabel in sport weight and bulky, Alpaca Shimmery a blend of alpaca and silk, Hand dyed bulky alpaca, great site to see.

KnitPicks.com
Andean Treasure 100% baby alpaca, Alpaca Cloud 100% alpaca and Decadence 100% alpaca superfine.Alpaca blended yarn comes in 10 different types from wool, cotton and silk blends.
A great site to check out.

Yarneare,com
Indiecita Alpaca in 3 ply sport, DK in 100% alpaca, Indieta Alpaca boucle in 90% alpaca& 10% nylon, Reynolds Blizzard blend of alpaca and acrylic super bulky, Reynolds Andean Alpaca Regal in 90% alpaca& 10% wool, heavy worsted weight.
Click box to go to site.
Check out the  review of the company in Resources.

YarnBarrel.com
Misti Alpaca in 3 weights- baby blended, worsted and chunky

Alpacavista.com
California bred alpacas.

Lambikins.com 
Misti Alpaca in 3 weights- baby blended, worsted and chunky

Longwoodalpacas.com
A collaboration of 3 breeders in Maine. Fiber Pieces, LLC produce alpaca and alpaca mixed with natural fiber blended yarns.

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