Alpacas were domesticated thousands of years ago by native American people in the mountains of South America and are very closely related to Llamas, both being Camelids. There are two main breeds of Alpaca - Suri and Huacaya - and they are bred specifically for their fibre.

Huacaya Alpacas are very fluffy animals with a soft fleece, and have the appearance of a very long legged, long necked sheep. They have thick, bushy tails, loveable faces, and a top-knot of fluffy fleece on the top of their heads. They live for approximately 20 years and females carry their young for 11½ months. Adult alpacas are about 36" tall at the shoulder and generally weigh between 100 and 200 pounds. They eat grasses and chew cud, and are gentle and easy to handle.

Alpacas produce one of the world's finest and most luxurious natural fibres, which is clipped from the animal much as sheep are sheared. The fleece is as soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool making it lightweight and comfortable to wear all year round. It comes in 22 natural hues, from white to grey, chocolate brown and shades of black. The fibre can easily be dyed giving a true colour when used on white, and beautiful tones with the others. It can be blended with other fibres and can be spun into a soft silky yarn which is very versatile to knit with. The fibre is also hypoallergenic, so can be used by people who are allergic to wool.

Alpaca fibre is extremely valued because it is shiny and dirt-repellent, and although it is strong it drapes beautifully and is not prone to pilling. This cashmere-like fleece is used by spinners and weavers around the world.