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Why Alpaca? • Fashion • Handcraft • Ranch
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Handcrafting Alpaca FleeceThe art of knitting and weaving was an integral part of the Incan culture. Religious beliefs, feelings, desires and traditions, were all expressed in the textile work of the Andean people. Textile art was taught and perfected from one generation to another and became the precious link of communication through many generations. Today's handspinners prize the softness, crimpy character and staple length of alpaca fiber. Both commerciallly manufactured and hand-spun yarn is enjoyed by handcrafters for knitting, crocheting and weaving, or to create felted projects. Alpaca fleece comes in 22 natural shades, more colors than any other fiber animal. Since there is no lanolin present, huacaya fleece can be carded and spun directly after shearing the animal; it does not need to be processed through harsh chemical washings. Sometimes alpaca is blended with other natural fibers such as cotton or silk to add texture and sheen. Of the two types of alpacas, huacaya and suri, the suri fleece is the most rare. Their silky fiber was so prized by the Incas that only the ruling class was allowed to wear clothing made from it. |
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