Alpaca: The Super Fiber
Long ago, alpaca fiber was reserved for royalty. Today, it is sold several ways. Hand-spinners and fiber artists buy raw fleece. Knitters often purchase alpaca yarn. Fiber cooperatives mills collect alpaca fiber and process it on behalf of the producer.
Because of its soft texture, alpaca fiber is sometimes compared to cashmere. The fiber also has the luster of silk, making it even more coveted. Alpaca is just as warm as wool, yet it is a mere 1/3 the weight. It comes in 16 natural colors and can be dyed any desired shade.
Containing no lanolin, alpaca fiber is also naturally hypoallergenic. Most people who are sensitive to wool find that they can wear alpaca without the itching or irritation they feel from wool because alpaca fiber is smooth. Additional performance characteristics include stretch, water repellency, and odor reduction. For travelers, clothing made from alpaca is desirable because it is wrinkle-resistant.
Alpaca fleece is known as the ‘super’ fiber for the following qualities:
• Strength per same fineness.
• Approximately 3x the insulating capacity of sheep’s wool, so garments are very light and warm.
• Hypoallergenic. Incidence of allergic reactions is dramatically lower than other fibers.
• Has no lanolin and very low “prickle factor” thus is softer, less irritating!
• There is less shrinkage and has a superior comfort range.
Alpaca Fleece offers these advantages over synthetic fiber:
• Superior breathability
• Wicks away body moisture, warm when wet
• Won’t mat or pill
• Naturally windproof
• Flame resistant
• Doesn’t melt
• Low static electricity
• Doesn’t hold debris
• Stain resistant
• Resists odors
• All natural and biodegradable
Autumn Leaves Farm offers a variety of alpaca products such as socks, boot insoles, hats, gloves, mittens and yarn. Please email, message or call us if you are seeking a particular item.