So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Monday, July 22, 2013

An Overview Of Alpaca Fiber For Sale

By Chelsea Evans


A growing number of hand-spinners and commercial producers are looking for alpaca fiber for sale. The market is expanding because of the qualities of the product. The characteristics are like sheep's wool in many ways, but lacks the lanolin that many are allergic to. As a hypoallergenic product, the benefits are significant. In addition, the fibers are soft, silky and luxurious. They are also very durable. The product is resistant to moisture and is slow to ignite.

The animals were originally bred in the Andes Mountains of Peru. They thrive in elevations ranging from ten thousand to fourteen feet. Expanding outward from Peru, they are also found in Australia, New Zealand and North America. They are also found in other South American countries. Production has been ongoing for at least two thousand years, as shown by remnants of cloth found with fibers of alpaca.

Huacaya and Suri are the two main types of fibers that are available. Huacaya products are soft and spongy with natural crimp. These characteristics provide an elastic yard which is preferred for knitting projects. Suri wool is more likely to be used for woven pieces. The crimping characteristic is less obvious. The fibers tend to be longer and are silky to the touch. Many types of products are available, which run the gamut from costly Armani suits to local inexpensive goods.

Learning about the types of fleece helps to determine the choices. Baby alpaca is especially silky and smooth to the touch. The garments made from this fiber were worn by Inca royalty from past century. The standard type of fleece is quite luxurious as well. It is used in warm, yet lightweight garments and similar products.

For those people who are interested in locally produced yarns, buying the fibers from a local producer is an option. Some also choose to raise an animal or two in a small acreage in order to have a supply of the luxury fiber. In North America, Australia, and New Zealand, there are co-ops that coordinate product sales to reduce the costs of the fibers.

The flocks in South America's high altitudes are typically sheared every other year, just before the rainy season begins. An adult male will produce about 8 pounds of wool each time it is sheared. The first results tend to be finer and softer, and are classified as baby alpaca fibers. Other grades are the "select" and "royal" types. In the northern hemisphere, animals are usually sheared every year.

Naturally attractive colors are another benefit of the yarns from the fleece of this animal. More than forty shades have been identified. These range from ivory to black and a multitude of shades and hues in gray, tan and brown as well. The shades which are lighter accept dyes successfully.

Alpaca fiber for sale is available from domestic or international sources. The luxurious, yet lightweight appearance is both soft and warm. The product is hypoallergenic and is comfortable to wear. In an expanding global economy, the product is a renewable item with an agricultural basis for the entire Andean region.




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