Hi everyone,
Allison, I have over the last 6 years I bred and own both types of alpaca.
I have only worked in pure alpaca both suri and huacaya-this is what most of you would know as alpaca.
I know nothing about optim wool- but can not see why it would need treating, unless it came from a meat breed to help it felt.??
All pure alpaca with give a fluffy look, unlike merino.
Hence my comment of the smooth look of some of the eggs.
22-23 micron in merino is about the same as 25-28 micron in alpaca- both felt well!
You do not need to pay more than $15.00/$20.00 per kg for raw sheep fleece-I stop at 15.00.
I do not see why it would be hard work with a different colour, unless it is a cross and then it depends on the cross.
there is no way I would pay more $35.00 per kg for alpaca over 24 micron.
As for tops , well I guess that is determined by what it cost to get processed.
If you want a face colour natural fleece from alpacas you need a solid medium fawn colour- alpacas come in white, light fawn ,medium fawn and dark fawn, the same for the brown, then black ,rose grey, silver grey and mix there of.
You can get a colour chart from the alpaca ass, you can also get a buying price list for clip, so you know how much the breeder is being payed for there fibre and you don't get the wool pulled over your eyes.
Some are asking way too much.
if you go to the breeders and ask if they have any fleece, you can often buy at a really good price-the small breeders are the best.
Another trick is if you ask what the c.v is as well as micron, you can buy a higher count micron say 28-30 but with a low c.v say around the 4-7 mark and it will feel much nicer than it reads.- at a great price.
If you want it to wear next to the skin you will need first cut babyor (19-23mic)-never buy off cuts/legs or necks from huacaya-this will often have too much guard hair and will be ruff and stick out .-is good for picture just not clothes.
Suri leg /neck is much nicer an can be used when it is off a pure suri more than an F1.
you should not be paying more than $10-12.00 for off cuts.-most breeders throw them away.
for us they do make good stuffing!
yes, the more alpaca the longer it will take with suri being the hardest to felt but gives great drape/hang when done.
I find the best and fastest way to felt pure alpaca is a tub of ice/water and tub of very hot water and bamboo blind and soap.
you roll an soap till it gets a hold ,then fold it all up a dunk-hot -cold -hot -cold back to roll&soap till you are happy with your work.
I add ice as needed and boil water on the stove top.
The National is in October at Bendigo I think-I have been asked to enter too.
When I am looking at blends I like it to be say 60% alpaca, 20% merino an 20% silk, other wise in my mind 20% alpaca does not really show any of the type of alpaca.
I hope I have helped in some way and not upset anyone.
all the best
** Natalie**
NEMCALA HEART FELTED CREATIONS
ARABIAN WELSH HORSES
and
BIRMAN CATS
*Australia*
NEMCALA HEART FELTED CREATIONS
ARABIAN WELSH HORSES
and
BIRMAN CATS
*Australia*
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