Alpacas 101

Alpacas are alert, intelligent, curious animals that communicate by softly humming.

Alpaca fleece produces one of the warmest yarns, as the fibers have hollow cells which act as insulation. It can be softer than cashmere, while warmer and lighter weight than wool. Alpaca fiber is also hypoallergenic, making it the ideal choice for those allergic to wool.

Alpaca fleece was referred to as “The Fiber of the Gods” by the ancient Incans. After Spanish invasion, much of the Alpaca herds were killed by conquistadors while conquering the natives. The surviving bloodlines, from the herds that escaped high into the Andes, now produce hardy creatures with a dense fur.

In 1948 a small group of importers brought the first herd to North America, and Americans and Canadians quickly embraced the lifestyle of raising alpaca.

Although Peru, Bolivia, and Chile are still home to the largest percentage of alpacas in the world, there are currently 53,000 alpacas being raised on farms in the US (with Colorado as one of the most alpaca populated states). 

We plan to visit Annie's Alpaca Farm in our own Longmont, Colorado, for the accessory photo shoot this winter. Here is a photo of the most adorable little baby born recently on the ranch, sent to us by Annie...

Alpacas have soft padded feet, making them gentle on their pastures, and they have no top teeth in the front. The average height of an alpaca is 36" at the withers (the point where the neck and spine meet), and they weigh from 100 to 175 pounds. Alpacas are small and gentle enough to travel short distances in the family minivan and are easily handled by most people.

Alpaca fiber comes in 22 naturally occurring colors that are recognized by the textile industry.

You can watch alpaca going about their business on this Alpaca Cam at Blue Moon ranch in Woodland, Utah.

Some crucial alpaca vocabulary:

·  Macho: male alpaca

·  Sire: father of an alpaca

·  Hembra: female alpaca

·  Dam: mother of an alpaca

·  Cria: baby alpaca

You can see Icelandic’s Fall 2011 Alpaca accessories hand knit in Peru here.

Maybe we can get an office alpaca ….but we’d probably have to get two as they are social and hate to be alone.

~K