Alpaca Shearing & Alpaca Fleece Facts
Alpaca fleece is highly sought after by handcrafters and commercial markets alike because it is one of the finest natural fibers. Fibers are measured using laser scanning technology and the result is a graph called a histogram that can be used to evaluate fleeces of different alpacas. A histogram from one of our alpacas is shown (right).
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Alpaca fleece can be made into any products that can be made out of wool, and the result will be warmer, lighter, and softer. Many people who cannot wear wool because it is too scratchy can wear alpaca. People who are allergic to the lanolin in wool can wear alpaca, which does not have lanolin. Those who are allergic to commercial dyes can wear alpaca, which comes in over 20 natural colors. Prices for alpaca products vary, depending on the quality of the fleece used, and the amount of work. The chart to the right shows income based on very high-end products, which command top prices.
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Alpaca is marvelous for baby clothes and luxury garments. Some top designers even make alpaca underwear! The coarser fiber alpacas produce can be used to make outer wear, such as coats, vests and even socks, or home textiles such as rugs and blankets. The finest fiber is made into garments that can be worn right next to the skin, such as scarves, sweaters or baby clothing.
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Alpacas are shorn once a year, like sheep, using hand clippers or electric shears. The fleece is then separated into the blanket, which is the best quality, and other parts.
Some North American alpaca breeders have banded together to form a co-op to process fleece into yarn and other products. We send some of our fleece to the alpaca fiber co-op (we are proud to be a charter member) and sell some to our handcrafter friends. The rest is processed into yarn or roving (which hand spinners turn into yarn). The yarn is made into a variety of clothing products and home textiles.
Cloud Dancer Alpacas In Montana
Deb Hill and Don Sanfilippo • 130 Half Moon Lane, Lewistown, MT 59457 • (406) 538-3177 • Contact
Deb Hill and Don Sanfilippo • 130 Half Moon Lane, Lewistown, MT 59457 • (406) 538-3177 • Contact
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Contact Us
News: Calendar of Events . Farm News
About Alpacas: Alpaca Facts . Fleece Facts . Making Money With Alpacas
Getting Started with Alpacas . Visit an Alpaca Farm . Alpaca Quiz
Our Alpacas in Montana: Our Breeding Program . Alpacas for Sale: FEMALES . Alpacas for Sale: MALES
Herdsire Services . Our Code of Ethics
Helpful Resources: Publications . Links . Alpaca University
Contact Us
Copyright © All text and photos: Deb Hill, Cloud Dancer Alpacas. All Rights Reserved
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