Fibre

Alpacas are shorn once a year and produce at least 2kgs of fibre sometimes up to 4+kgs. They are shorn either standing or laid down and restrained by the legs.

Alpaca fibre comes in 22 natural colours so there is plenty of variety. It dyes well so the natural colours are only the beginning. It is extremely lightweight, soft, silky and fine. We show visitors comparisons between fine Merino and alpaca and they are always amazed at the difference. "It's so much softer," they invariably say. I have also heard it described as "it's so soft it feels like air" to "it feels like candy floss". It is also 30% warmer than Merino and in spite if its fineness is stronger than wool. Because alpaca fibre does not contain lanolin there is no greasy feel and it has the most interesting and pleasant odour - even straight from the animals back. I love burying my face in it and enjoying this special smell.Presently, because of the low numbers of alpaca in New Zealand, supply cannot keep up with demand for fine fleeces. These are just some of the reasons why producing this fibre is worthwhile.

We have fibre of various grades and colours for sale. Please contact us via: claire.perry@paradise.net.nz

Ron Gallagher, with the help of his wife Kathleen, demonstrate how to tip a cria fleece. Cria have knotty ends on the tips of their fleece that hold dirt and debris. Removing these tips with blades means the fleece is cleaner when it comes to shearing time.