Alpaca
A member of the cameliae
family, the alpaca lives at elevations of 13,000 to 16,000 feet. This
animal is native to
the Andean plateau, although other countries are now trying to raise small
herds. The Alpaca
is raised domestically and is shorn every two years. If left uncut, the
hair
could grow to two
feet. The hair hangs in tangled strands which are 8 to 16 inches long.
The
fiber is silky, fine
and strong with an estimated diameter of 27 to 45 microns.
The chemical
constitution is the same as long wool and the physical structure is like
that of
mohair with low shrinkage
and felting properties. When spinning alpaca use a fair amount of
twist and a medium
take up on the wheel. Do not insert a hard twist into the single or the
fiber will
become compressed
and wiry. Make singles on the fine side as the fiber has a low elasticity
and
a low recovery. Use
in knitting and weaving.
