Alpaca Yarn
September 19th, 2009
Alpacas were a cherished treasure of the ancient Incan civilization. They played a central role in the Incan culture and were located on the high Andean Plateau and mountains of South America. They are very hardy animals who are still raised in their native home in the Andean mountains at about 10,000-14,000 feet. They were traditionally raised for their luxurious fiber or fleece. Alpacas are a member of the camel family, which also includes dromedary camels, llamas, vicunas, and guanacos. Alpacas have been raised in the high Andes mountains for centuries. Alpacas are one of the oldest domesticated breeds of animals. Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984. Alpacas are now being successfully raised and enjoyed throughout North America and abroad. Alpaca breeding has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry in North America and is still on the rise. Alpacas cannot be mass-produced and are rare outside of South America.
Alpacas are herd animals, and are generally kept in groups of two or more. They have soft padded feet, making them gentle on pastures and grass lands. Alpacas only have teeth at the bottom of their mouth for eating. They are grazers and like cattle chew their cud. Alpacas selectively graze, eating pasture grasses and hay, along with small amounts of feed and minerals supplements feeding them is relatively inexpensive. Alpacas are mature enough to breed between the ages of 12-18 months and normally have only one baby per pregnancy. They are virtually odorless and do not attract flies like other livestock. Alpacas are considered a disease resistant animal, which may lower the cost of veterinary care. They are quiet and are said to make a humming sound. Alpacas are safe and gentle animals, they do not bite or butt like some farm animals can. Alpacas can live up to 15 to 20 years and make excellent companion animals and pets.
Alpacas are often raised as an alternative to other domesticated livestock. They are one of the few animals which can be profitably raised on small farms. They require a small amount of acreage compared to other livestock, usually about ten acres or less. Alpacas are happy in a small area and are easy on the environment. Alpacas also thrive in temperate climates. They are easy to care for and don't require any special type of shelter. They are clam and quiet animals that are easy to handle. They have been and still are used as pack and guard animals.
Alpacas are very intelligent and are easy to train. In just a few sessions they will pick up and retain many behaviors such as accepting a halter, being led, lifting a foot for toenail trimming and being loaded into a vehicle. Alpacas like other livestock are blood typed to insure the accuracy of breeding records, this is to provide absolute identification and documentation of bloodlines.
Alpacas provide one of the most luxurious fibers in the world, it can come in 22 colors and is recognized by the textile industry. They only need to be sheared once a year and may produce 5 to 10 pounds of soft fiber that is turned into warm garments. Alpaca fleece is comparable to cashmere in softness and can be mixed with other fibers, like mohair, this vary's the texture of the yarn produced. Alpaca fibre is similar to sheep's wool, but it is lighter in weigh and silkier to the touch. The fibers are warmer and do not have a prickly feel. They also contain no lanolin and make it hypoallergenic. Alpaca fibers are hollow, which make for great insulating properties. Alpaca garments can be worn comfortably against your skin.
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 5 La Pelliccia Ecologica Worsted Wool Yarn Lot Italian  US $5.95
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 TAHKI Bunny Wool Alpaca Yarn 40 US $4.99
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 TAHKI Bunny Wool Alpaca Yarn 47 US $7.49
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 New Alpaca Knitting Yarn Wool 10 Skeins Balls SILVER US $39.99
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 BERROCO PERUVIA YARN Tobaco 7180 US $7.75
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 New 100 Alpaca Knitting Yarn Wool 10 Skeins BLACK N5 US $54.99
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 Classic Elite Inca Alpaca Yarn Cherry Red 1158 US $8.95
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 Classic Elite Inca Alpaca Yarn Moss Green 135 US $8.95
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 Classic Elite Inca Alpaca Yarn Red Damask 1153 US $8.95
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 Classic Elite Wings Alpaca Blend Yarn Black US $9.95
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 Classic Elite Inca Alpaca Yarn Camacho Blue 1107 US $8.95
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 Classic Elite Inca Alpaca Yarn Harvest Brown 1155 US $8.95
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 Classic Elite Wings Alpaca Blend Yarn Lilac US $9.95
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 Classic Elite Wings Alpaca Blend Yarn Red US $9.95
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 Classic Elite Inca Alpaca Yarn Oriole 1183 US $8.95
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 Classic Elite Wings Alpaca Blend Yarn Pink US $9.95
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 Classic Elite Wings Alpaca Blend Yarn Havanna Brown US $9.95
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 Classic Elite Inca Alpaca Yarn Twig Brown 1118 US $8.95
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 Classic Elite Inca Alpaca Yarn Nuevo Blue 1124 US $8.95
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 Classic Elite Wings Alpaca Blend Yarn Natural US $9.95
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 sale combo yarn blend NEW mohair alpaca finches US $8.49
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 Classic Elite Wings Alpaca Blend Yarn Sept Sunset US $9.95
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 combo yarn blend angora rabbit mohair spring seas alpac US $11.90
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 Katia Chic Print 5753 ribbon yarn 50 OFF US $7.10
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 Katia Chic Print 5800 ribbon yarn 50 OFF US $7.10
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 Katia Chic Print 5801 ribbon yarn 50 OFF US $7.10
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 Katia Chic Print 5802 ribbon yarn 50 OFF US $7.10
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 Universal Moods Yarn 2 Balls Blue Black US $5.13
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 Jo Sharp Rare Comfort Infusion Kid Mohair Yarn Rosehip US $7.99
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 SWEATERS PONCHOS WRAPS FELTED BAGS KNITTING PATTERNS US $5.99
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 Lot 3 Lornas Laces Lion Lamb Yarn Bittersweet US $39.54
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 New Alpaca Knitting Yarn Wool 10 Skeins Balls CH GRAY US $26.99
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 Lot 3 Alpaca with a Twist Baby Twist Cotton Candy US $9.99
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 Rowan Handknit Cotton Yarn Black White Red Pink US $9.99
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 Rowan Alpaca Soft Color 260 Old Rose US $7.50
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 FINE Alpaca Knitting Yarn 10 skeins BURGUNDY US $15.99
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 Lot 4 Schewe Escorial Yarn Light Blue US $7.99
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 Lot 4 Schewe Escorial Yarn Medium Teal Green US $7.99
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 Baby Alpaca Cashmere merino wool Yarn chestnut brown US $5.00
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 Baby Alpaca Cashmere merino wool Yarn sage green US $5.00
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Cascade Alpaca Lace - Garnet (# 1404) Knitting Yarn List Price: $7.20 Sale Price: $7.15 Average Rating:   |
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Alpaca Lace is a new addition from Cascade. This super fine and very soft 100% alpaca is your favorite yarn for a lace projects. |
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Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande - Denim (# 635) Knitting Yarn List Price: $14.00 Sale Price: $13.85 Average Rating: |
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Baby Alpaca Grande from Plymouth is a hypo-allergenic, very soft to touch and very lightweight 100% Baby Alpaca. This yarn is perfect for knitting into cozy sweaters, pullovers, vests, hats or any quick-knit project you can possible think about. |
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Alpaca Boucle Yarn - Cream #10 (Disc.) Sale Price: $5.99 |
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Alpaca Boucle Yarn from Plymouth Yarn Company. Pe |
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Misti Alpaca Yarn Lace Weight - Mauve 3720 Sale Price: $7.20 |
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Misti Alpaca Lace, also referred to as fingering weight, provides a beautiful knitting experience for hours on end. Our Misti Lace is perfect for that special lacy knit shawl and lace accent to create a family heirloom... |
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Misti Alpaca Yarn Lace Weight - Pretty in Pink 3140 Sale Price: $7.20 |
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Misti Alpaca Lace, also referred to as fingering weight, provides a beautiful knitting experience for hours on end. Our Misti Lace is perfect for that special lacy knit shawl and lace accent to create a family heirloom... |
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Cascade Dolce Alpaca and Silk Yarn - Sky Blue #939 Sale Price: $7.95 |
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Cascade Dolce (Italian for Sweet) and thats exactl |
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Baby Alpaca & Silk Yarn in Blue Sage (503) Sale Price: $14.99 |
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70% Baby Alpaca & 30% pure silk 4-ply Worsted Yarn |
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100% Baby Alpaca D.K. Yarn - Baby Blue #1580 Sale Price: $6.99 |
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Alpaca D.K. Yarn from Plymouth Yarn Company. Grea |
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Alpaca Brush Yarn - Baby Blue #1620 Sale Price: $6.99 |
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Alpaca Brush Yarn from Plymouth Yarn Company. Bru |
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Cascade Dolce Alpaca and Silk Yarn - Fuchsia #963 Sale Price: $7.95 |
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Cascade Dolce (Italian for Sweet) and thats exactl |
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