Why Alpaca Wool - Exploring the allure of Alpaca Wool.

Alpaca wool is a type of yarn crafted from the fluffy hair that grows naturally on alpacas. This wool is known for its exceptional softness, water and snow resistance, shine and light weight. Nature.

Compared to sheep’s wool, alpaca fleece is considered five times warmer and more durable due to its microscopic air pockets that enhance its insulation properties. With all these unique characteristics, alpaca wool is highly sought after by consumers and is classified among the finest yarns. Renowned for its luxurious texture, it is often associated with rare and premium fibers like cashmere and mohair.

The history of alpacas traces back thousands of years when the vicuna, the ancestors of alpacas, were domesticated and bred by the indigenous communities in the Andean highlands of Bolivia, Peru, and Chile. Through selective breeding of vicunas, alpacas were developed and quickly became essential to the Inca tribes, valued not only for their fur but also for their meat. Initially, alpaca fleece was exclusively reserved for 'royalty' due to its many beneficial properties and was even honoured as 'the fiber of the gods.'

Two primary alpaca breeds are commonly utilized for textile purposes: the Huacaya alpaca and the Suri alpaca. These breeds possess distinct qualities and hair textures, both highly valued. Huacaya alpaca fibers are short and bouncy with a natural crimp, providing stretchability. On the other hand, Suri which is only the 5% of the alpaca population, have long, silky, shiny hair that forms into dreadlock-like twists.