January in Wisconsin is cold. Like, "why do I live here" cold. It's the time of year when I'm extra grateful for alpaca fiber, and it got me thinking about how many people have no idea how a fluffy alpaca in a pasture turns into the warm socks on their feet. So let's walk through it. It's a pretty amazing process.
Step 1: Growing the fleece
It all starts in the pasture. Our alpacas spend the year growing their fleece. All of our alpacas are Huacaya except Viper, our one Suri. Huacaya fiber grows out in a dense, fluffy, crimpy coat. Good nutrition, clean living conditions and overall health all affect fiber quality, which is one more reason we take care of our herd the way we do.
Step 2: Shearing
Once a year, in the spring, the alpacas get sheared. Alpacas can't shed their fleece on their own, so shearing is an important part of keeping them healthy and comfortable for summer. The best fiber, called the "blanket," comes from the alpaca's back and sides.
Step 3: Skirting
After shearing, the fleece gets "skirted." That means laying it out and picking off the shorter, coarser bits and anything that doesn't belong, like hay and bits of pasture. It's slow, picky work, but it makes a big difference in the final product.
Step 4: Washing
Here's a cool thing about alpaca fiber: it doesn't contain lanolin, the greasy stuff found in sheep's wool. That makes it easier to clean and is a big reason why alpaca tends to feel less itchy and is gentler for people with sensitive skin.
Step 5: Carding
Clean fiber is then carded, which means brushing it out so all the fibers line up in the same direction. The result is a soft, fluffy web of fiber that's ready to be spun.
Step 6: Spinning
Spinning twists the fibers together into yarn. Different spinning methods and plies create different weights and textures of yarn, from fine and delicate to thick and chunky.
Step 7: Becoming something wonderful
From there, yarn can be knit, crocheted or woven into all kinds of things: socks, hats, scarves, mittens, blankets and more. Some of it is made by hand by fiber artists, and some is made on machines, but it all started with an alpaca munching hay in a pasture.
Why alpaca is worth it
- It's warm, even in a Wisconsin January.
- It's lightweight, so you stay cozy without the bulk.
- It's lanolin-free and usually much less itchy than wool.
- It comes from animals that are gentle on the land, with soft padded feet instead of hooves.
Get cozy
When you know the whole journey, a pair of alpaca socks feels even more special. You can find alpaca goods and other farm favorites at All Things Sheared, our farm store. Your toes will thank you. Mine do every single day.
