I have a customer who raises Alpaca, and they make custom rugs from the coat by felting the fibers with a burlap backing. They are incredible, and very soft. We talked for an hour about fibers and such, they are very knowledgeable. Interesting tidbits about fiber simillarity of Alpaca to Wool. www.heartfeltrugs.com This is their website. They have a process where shiny strips of silk are added before felting, for accent, and leaves traces of shiny lines in their work. It is truly amazing, and I thought I would share it with you all.
A friend was considering investing in an Alpaca farm, but found it to be too expensive. Their wool is supposed to be pretty highly prized, though.
That is interesting. I also have a friend who raises/breeds them. Just last week he woke to find a baby had died . It really tore him up. Took it to OSU vet clinic for an autopsy. I know the animals are valuable. Could not believe it when he told me how much he has them insured for. As I understand him, he has really good stock. He has not gone so far as to actually make anything from the wool. I get the impression that the wool is very valualble, like a commodity. It is can be valued as to where it came from. Breeding stock/animals. It really affects the price. I wonder if Lisa has much experience with it? OHH, the reason he talks to me is he is another carpet cleaner!
