fiber 101

The main product from Alpacas is their fleece. Alpaca fleece is very different from wool in multiple ways and can be processed into a multitude of products. Today we are going to discuss how fleece is different than wool and the two most common products that farmers have their fiber turned into, yarn and roving. There are more products a mill can produce for you, but those products are made from the yarn and roving. We encourage you to speak with your selected mill about what products they can create for you from your yarn and roving. 

​Fleece Vs. Wool

Aside from wool being the hair on sheep and fleece being on alpacas, there are some big differences between these fibers. Alpaca fleece is not only softer and warmer than wool, but also hypoallergenic, moisture wicking, and meets the guidelines for being flame resistant.

• Alpaca fleece is a much finer fiber and lack the scales that sheep’s wool has. The diameter of fiber is measured in microns. Human hair is around 100 microns, and the most luxurious alpaca fleeces can be 16 microns. Anything over 30 microns is said to feel uncomfortable against the skin.
•  Alpaca fleece has been tested to provide a comfort range of 50 degrees at a temperature of 0 degrees and sheep’s wool provided only a 30 degree range.
• Alpaca fleece lack lanolin, which is the grease that is found on sheep’s wool and is often sticky and requires significant washing to get out of the fleece. It is believed that the lack of lanolin in alpaca fleece allows some of those allergic to wool to wear fleece.
• Alpaca Fleece is hollow or nearly hollow. This air space allows the fiber to wick moisture off the skin and evaporate it very quickly.
• Alpaca fleece is more flame resistant than synthetic and plant fibers. It also will not melt into the skin of the wearer.

​Yarn and Roving

​After an alpaca is shorn, the fleece will need to be processed. Here at Tiskilwa Farms Alpacas, we send our fiber out for processing due to the incredible volume of fiber we have, however, many choose to process their alpaca’s fleeces themselves. Once the fleece is received by the mill, it is then cleaned, has irregular or coarse hairs removed, vegetable matter is picked out, and prepped for the next steps. A carder is used to align all the fibers and it creates almost a sheet of alpaca fiber. Once the fiber is carded, it can be packaged as roving or be made into yarn. If it is being spun for yarn, the carded fiber is then pulled through a diz or goes through a draw frame and then on to be spun and plied.
The yarn from alpacas is a wonderful fiber for a fiber artist to work with. It is incredibly strong and has beautiful luster and drape. The yarn is ideal for weaving, knitting, and crochet. Items from alpaca yarns are incredibly light weight, they will last and hold up to wear and washing, and the colors stay vibrant.
Roving is like the foundation of opportunity with alpaca fiber. Being the starting point for yarn, roving is often purchased by handspinners to create beautiful, one of a kind yarns and blends. It is also what is used for felting. Alpaca fleece felts well in all applications from dryer balls, to felted blankets and clothing.

​Handmade at Tiskilwa Farms Alpacas

​Something new here at the Farm is handmade products from our alpaca yarns and roving. The Farm manager, Kalie, has fiber arts experience in her background and has started creating things for the storefront that is currently being remodeled. These pieces take time but will be featured on our website and Facebook page. Once the shop is open, they will be down at the shop as well. Until there is a stock of handmade items available we are going to share a very easy and quick scarf project with you. We have yarn in stock and can ship if you want to treat yourself to this beautiful scarf! Remember to like and follow Tiskilwa Farms Alpacas on Facebook and Instagram for photos, farm events, and new excitement!