Alpaca Fleece

Alpacas have a rich history rooted in the highlands of Peru, Bolivia & Chile where they are kept & farmed alongside llamas, vicuna & guanaco. Alpacas were domesticated thousands of years ago & their story intertwines with that of the vicuña, their closest living relative in the wild. Peruvians prize alpaca fibre second only to vicuna & refer to it as the ‘fibre of the Gods’. It is warmer than wool or cashmere, second only to silk in strength & carries many eco-friendly & sustainable attributes. Best quality alpaca is in demand yet supply is limited. It is this fleece that is the real purpose of alpacas.

Many top designers use alpaca in their collections often preferring to blend it to reduce costs.

Alpacas are shorn once a year to harvest their fibre & for welfare reasons. 22 natural colours – & everything in between – to create a stunning array of undyed yarns & products. While alpaca does take dye, here at Alpacas of East Anglia & in the mill we choose to be as eco-friendly as we can be with many properties of alpaca incorporated into the Mill. More information on fleece, shearing & processing can be found on our mill website East Anglia Alpaca Mill

Now, let’s unravel the magic of alpaca fibre – it is a truly extraordinary medium to work with:

  1. Warmer than wool: Alpaca fibre is a great alternative to wool if you’re looking for a cosy hug. It’s even warmer than wool & cashmere, making it the perfect choice for chilly weather. But what makes it even more unique is that it wicks warmth away from you in warmer climates. Just imagine wrapping yourself in a luxurious alpaca sweater on a frosty day!
  2. Silk-like strength: Alpaca fibre is not only soft but also incredibly durable, ranking second only to silk in terms of tensile strength. So, while you’re snuggled up, you’re also wearing a fabric with resilience. It ranks second only to silk in terms of tensile strength. So, while you’re snuggled up, you’re also wearing a fabric with resilience.
  3. Eco-friendly elegance: Alpacas are eco-warriors. Their woolly coats come with sustainable attributes: it is renewable, biodegradable & low-impact. Plus, alpacas tread lightly on the ground.
  4. Colourful palette: Alpaca fibre boasts a palette of 22 natural colours, spanning earthy browns, creamy whites, and everything in between. These hues blend seamlessly to create undyed yarns and exquisite textiles.
  5. Designer’s delight: Top fashion designers emulate the best of alpaca in their garments. They incorporate it into their collections, often blending it with other fibres to strike a balance between elegance & cost-effectiveness.
  6. Annual shearing: Once a year, alpacas undergo a gentle & necessary shearing process to harvest their precious fibre. It’s a time of renewal, a thorough check on their well-being as well as a fibre harvest.
  7. Eco-Conscious Choices: While alpaca fibre can take dye beautifully, we choose to keep it as natural as the day it was shorn. We embrace eco-friendliness, celebrating the inherent beauty of those 22 natural shades.

So, next time you wrap yourself in an alpaca scarf or snuggle under an alpaca blanket, remember – you’re cocooned in a blend of warmth, strength & sustainable elegance.

All shorn!