Rugs And Other Alpaca Products

Alpacas and alpaca products are new to the scene in the United States but are catching on at a very high rate of speed. The United States has only had alpaca farms for about twenty years, but alpacas have been domesticated in their native South America for thousands of years. Most original alpacas brought to the United States were novelty ‘pets’ for farmers or hobbyists. There are two basic types of alpacas, the Huacaya, which is the fluffy animal most people have pictured in their minds. They are by far the most common, but the Suri are also in demand with their longer fibers that have a distinctive look reminding people of dreadlocks. As demand grows for American made items, more farms are sure to be popping up across the country as cash farms, not simply hobby or part time endeavors.

Most people think of sweaters, vests, hats, and gloves when thinking of woven items, but alpaca fiber is not limited to the garment industry. Their soft and extremely durable fibers can be woven into beautiful rugs, placemats, and other home décor items. In fact, their woven fibers are so resilient they have been found in Peruvian ruins that are thousands of years old.

Did you ever look at the tag in your woven handbag or backpack? Did you assume it was synthetic or sheep’s wool? If it is extremely soft perhaps it is made of alpaca fiber or an alpaca fiber blend and you didn’t realize it. Beautiful toys and fluffy teddy bears can be make using alpaca fibers. Felted animals are popular items sold in stores, online, or on alpaca farms.

If buying finished items is not your goal, perhaps alpaca fiber yarn would be a good choice for your own unique alpaca item. There are more than twenty ecofriendly natural shades and dyed colors in an array of colors to shame a rainbow. Alpaca fibers can be purchased as finished yarn or as processed fiber by the ounce or by the pound.

If you have a hard to buy for person on your gift list, perhaps a beautiful alpaca item would fit the bill during gift giving seasons or year around for birthdays or anniversaries. High school and college graduates might also appreciate a unique alpaca item. If a farm is in the area, it could be a great educational outing for the nature buff on your list. If there is not a farm in your area, alpaca products can be purchased in high end or specialty stores, or online.

By: Alan Stables

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Alan Stables organized the International Alpaca Congress in Madrid in 2010, and is well versed in alpaca farming . Alan has also written an ebook on how to start a successful alpaca farm, covering topics such as how to choose your foundation alpacas to how to make alpaca farms profitable.