Alpaca wool, commonly referred to as "alpaca fiber", is so soft that it rivals cashmere. It is a highly sought after fiber that is non-allergic and has a smoother scale structure, which means it is much softer to the handle and doesn't itch nearly as bad as sheep wool does. There are micro hollow pockets in the fiber, which makes it very warm and very light. Alpaca fiber comes in 22 natural colors. It is the only animal on earth with such a diversity in color. Of course if you want shocking pink fiber you will have to dye it. Felted alpaca is made by taking the roving, which is the form wool is in before it is spun into yarn, and then you scrub it with soapy water until the scales on the fiber become entwined. Sloppy, good, clean fun!!!

Learn to felt a hat, funky, fun scarf, or a handbag on our farm.

for more info click here

Alpacas are a camelid, like a llama, but much smaller, and with a much softer fiber. They are gentle, shy, but very curious animals. They love to play, called "pronking". A funny word, but befitting, because they just look very silly when they run and jump with their long necks and heads flopping about. They are shorn once a year, usually in spring, to keep them cool in the summer. The first fleece an alpaca has is the very finest. It is called a "tui fleece", so if you see a sweater made from "baby alpaca" you know you can't go wrong. The babies are called, cria, and are born after a long 11.5 month gestation. Alpacas like to have their babies (cria) during the day, because it is so cool and harsh at night in the Andes mountains, where they originated. Alpacas were imported in the US in 1984 from Bolivia, Chili & Peru. They no longer allow importation, but the herds in the US are growing, slow but sure. The Ancient Incan tribes used to adore the alpaca, in fact only Incan royalty were permitted to wear a
garment made from alpaca.

To learn more about alpacas please visit our alpaca farm website or schedule an appointment to visit the farm by calling (706) 835-1837 or emailing us at info@alpacmoon.com

"Kentucky Derby Hat"

"white alpaca cowgirl hat"

"Alpaca Funky, Fun Shoulder wrap & Hat"

"crochet and felted flower pin"