Fiber Facts

Two kinds of Alpaca

Suri - This type of fiber is the rarest type of Alpaca. Formerly reserved for Incan Royalty, now it is available to all. Products made of Suri alpaca are generally labeled as such and bring a premium price. Suri fiber is characterized by its softness, drape, warmth and cool, slick handle. It hangs in long locks which may be flat, corkscrew, or wavy. Suri fiber has exceptional luster and total lack of crimp. Suri is excellent for combed tops and using for worsted spinning or can be processed in the traditional woolen manner.

Huacaya - This is the most common type of Alpaca. Most products labeled as alpaca are Huacaya Alpaca. Huacaya fiber is very soft, fuzzy and contains lots of crimp. It is usually processed in the traditional woolen manner.

How many colors?

Both Suri and Huacaya alpacas come in more natural colors than any other fiber animal. Currently there are 22 natural colors recognized in the show ring. These include Black, White, Brown, Gray and Fawn with all the variations in between.

What about Quality?

All alpacas are not created equal. Alpacas d'Auxvasse knows this and will not charge premium prices for average fiber. Our fiber is separated into 4 grades of fiber. Fiber is hand washed, sun-dried, and hand picked before being machine processed into roving. This means minimal amounts of VM and a better spinning experience for you.

*** Best - This is premium blanket fiber, with a micron lower than 24
**   Better - Blanket fiber with a micron count between 24 and 28
*     Good - Blanket fiber with micron count greater than 28

Seconds, - Fiber taken from the neck, legs and belly. May contain various fiber lengths and varying fineness

Our packages are clearly marked with yellow stars, so you know what you are getting.