Our alpacas are shorn by a professional shearer once a year. The result, a beautiful soft, lustrous fleece from each animal.
Alpacas and their fleece are highly sustainable and we endeavour to use this beautiful fibre instead of seeing it go to waste. From time to time we will hold spinning classes locally, details of which will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram accounts, so follow us to stay posted.
Alpaca fibre is highly valued for its numerous beneficial
properties, making it a popular choice in the textile industry. Some of the key
properties include:
- Softness:
Alpaca fibre is known for its incredible softness, often compared to
cashmere. This makes it comfortable to wear against the skin and ideal for
creating luxurious garments. - Warmth:
Despite its soft and lightweight feel, alpaca fibre provides excellent
insulation. It is warmer than sheep’s wool, and the hollow core of each fibre
helps trap heat, keeping the wearer warm in cold conditions. - Lightweight:
Alpaca fibre is lightweight, making it suitable for garments that provide
warmth without adding bulk. This is particularly advantageous for layering
in colder climates. - Hypoallergenic:
Alpaca fibre is naturally hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for
individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. It lacks the lanolin that
can cause skin irritation in some people. This hypoallergenic property also makes it ideal for use in pillows, duvets and blankets. - Moisture-wicking:
Alpaca fibre has excellent moisture-wicking properties, meaning it can
absorb and release moisture away from the body. This helps regulate body
temperature and keeps the wearer dry. - Breathability:
The hollow structure of alpaca fibres contributes to their breathability,
allowing air to circulate and preventing overheating. This makes alpaca
garments comfortable in various climates. - Durable:
Alpaca fibre is known for its durability and resistance to pilling. It can
withstand regular wear and maintain its quality over time, leading to
long-lasting garments. - Natural
lustre: Alpaca fibre has a natural sheen or lustre that gives finished
products an elegant appearance. This quality adds to the aesthetic appeal
of clothing and textiles made from alpaca. - Non-flammable:
Alpaca fibre is naturally flame-resistant, providing an added safety
benefit. It does not easily ignite and is self-extinguishing if exposed to
an open flame. - Sustainable:
Alpacas are considered environmentally friendly and sustainable animals.
They have a relatively low impact on their ecosystems, as they graze
lightly and efficiently, and their fibre is a renewable resource. - Variety
of colours: Alpaca fibre comes in a wide range of natural colours,
from white and beige to brown and black. This allows for a variety of
options in creating naturally coloured garments without the need for
dyeing. - Other uses: We also use our ‘seconds’ or less desirable cuts to provide nesting material for our garden birds, hanging it in wire frames so that they can use it to line their nests for their precious young. These less desirable cuts can also be used for animal beds, or even for attic or wall insulation.
Overall, alpaca fibre’s combination of softness, warmth, and
various other properties make it a sought-after material for high-quality and
comfortable clothing and textiles.