Alpacas are awesome!
Photo by Diane Weidenbenner.
Until I started to work at the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, I had never heard of alpacas. Llamas, sure. Alpacas – not so much.
Then I learned that the sisters chose to raise alpacas because 1) their feet have a unique structure (soft pad with toenail) that ensures they are gentle to the earth, unlike cows, horses and sheep, 2) they are not raised for eating, 3) their poo helps fertilize organic gardens and 4) their fiber can be spun into yarn, felted into beautiful items and otherwise enjoyed. I actually began knitting after hundreds of years (okay, I’m embellishing a bit) but that’s a different blog.
I visited my hometown of Denver, Colorado, and went garage-sailing in the mountains with a friend only to find alpaca breeders with homesteads who sold their premium fiber in knitting/crochet shops sprinkled throughout these high-altitude towns. One person I talked to said she recently retired as a nurse and she and her husband now raised alpaca because they were such friendly animals and produced superior fiber/yarn.
Alpaca fiber comes in natural colors like white, off-white, gray, black and brown. Some fiber is combined for a swirled effect and some is dyed for variety. I prefer to knit and crochet with the natural hues. Part of the enjoyment for me of knitting or crocheting is being able to feel the yarn. It gives me an idea of what the finished product will be like. I like seeing the color(s), the weight of the yarn, the fiber content.
Side note: Yarn shops where I live and in neighboring communities are closing down faster than you can say, “Alpaca.” It makes me sad and I can only imagine that people are ordering yarn online rather than discovering it in a cool store, with a neat owner who will allow you to sit in one of their comfy chairs and crochet with friends. This makes me sad.
If you’ve never met an alpaca and would like to, come visit me in Indiana! Our annual Earth Day celebration at the Woods is April 27 and activities, food and so much more make the afternoon a delight for adults and kids. Or, look up alpaca breeders in your neck of the woods and ask for a visit. The animals are friendly, although sometimes they spit, and if you do fiber arts, you’ll be giddy with joy.
dmweiden@gmail.com
I'm Diane, a marketing executive in the non-profit sector living in Terre Haute, Indiana. My husband and I moved from Denver, Colorado, 15-plus years ago and this blog highlights our joys and challenges in adjusting to our new home and town. I also share things I love: photography, wildlife and domestic pets, writing, knitting, making jewelry, food, travel, my faith in God and music. I'm also writing a mystery novel so stay tuned!
10 Comments
Mary Lou
I’ve bought alpaca felted handmade soaps from an alpaca far in upstate New York. They really are sweet animals. 🙂
https://meinthemiddlewrites.com/2019/04/01/a-to-z-challenge-april-world-holidays-letter-a/
dmweiden@gmail.com
And their fur is so soft. Many people who are allergic to wool can wear alpaca. So, the felted handmade soaps – was the felted part kind of a loofa? Those are the ones I’ve seen. Thanks for your comment. I really appreciate you reading my blog. Have a great rest of the week.
Janet Mary Cobb
Diane, I was having trouble finding how to comment on this post – so see my reply to your comment on my post. The alpacas are so cool aren’t they? I’ll be following you.
dmweiden@gmail.com
I’m sorry you had problems leaving a comment. I’ve not heard that before. I’m glad you figured it out. I’ll visit your website as well. Thanks for the support. I really appreciate it. And, yes, alpacas are very cool!
Alexandra Heep
Thanks for stopping by my post. I also chose alpacas for my A post! I love those guys.
dmweiden@gmail.com
Me too (love alpacas). How is your week going? Are you keeping up with things? It’s been pretty hectic but I do enjoy the A to Z Challenge.
A J
The first time I saw an alpaca, I thought they were llamas (they look similar!). I’ve decided that I’m more of an alpaca fan than a llama fan 🙂
dmweiden@gmail.com
I went on a Sunday drive yesterday and saw a llama in the yard, along with children’s toys and a manufactured home. He looked right at home and was very well taken care of. I’ve heard they are herd animals though so it’s usually best to have more than one.
Weekends in Maine
We discovered beautiful handmade blankets and textiles made from alpaca during our trip to Peru. I have a blanket that I brought back that I love. Weekends In Maine
Dawn M. Miller
I was trying to read your post on community but the read more link takes me here.
Love alpacas, though 🙂