Are you looking for something special in the knitting and crocheting world? Something unique, luxurious, and eco-friendly? Look no further because we have just the perfect product for you: Alpaca yarn!
Alpaca yarn is lightweight (yet warm) and lustrous. It is more durable and warmer than cotton or merino wool and perfect for spring to winter. Plus, alpaca yarn comes in more colors than any other fiber-producing animal – 22 recognized natural colors with many variations and blends.
Alpacas are members of the Camelid family, like llamas and camels and originally from the Andean highlands of Peru, in South America. It was discovered in the XVIII century, but there's archeological evidence of 2,000-year-old fabric in the Peruvian altiplano.
The animals sheared once a year, and produce an average of five to eight pounds of fiber each year, so the naturally occurring alpaca yarn is abundant but also environmentally friendly. Before 1998, hand-spinners were the only ones buying alpaca yarn; however, when breeders from all over North America formed The Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America (AFCNA), they were able to bring together to pool and process this fantastic material and sell it on a larger scale.
Baby Alpaca Yarn
One type of alpaca yarn that is highly sought after is baby alpaca, which comes from the first shearing of a young alpaca. It is even softer and more luxurious than regular alpaca yarn, and is often used for making delicate and high quality top-end projects.
Alpaca Fiber
When it comes to texture, alpaca yarn is known for being fluffy and extra soft. It's often compared to cashmere but with a more affordable price tag. Additionally, some alpaca yarn is blended with other fibers such as silk or wool. Alpaca blend is often used for adding even more texture and depth to your projects.
Treat yourself or people you love to some fine luxury knitting or crocheting. With Alpaca yarn, you can pick a color palette that’ll make everyone happy… plus planet earth will enjoy it too!
Check our website for free patterns and learn more about how and what to knit with alpaca yarn!
