| Q. Do you process Llama? |
| A. We mainly process Huacaya Alpaca fiber. We have processed cashmere, but the process is extremly intenseive and so we no longer do that. Llama fiber is usually too long and contains too much guard hair to be processed by maching. We recommend hand spinning. |
|
|
| Q. How long does it take to get my processed fiber back? |
| A. Each fiber is treated with the same care and concern. Our turn-around-time is short as long as there are not problems along the way. Generally, we can process about 60 pounds of fiber per month. However, we choose not to push it that much. Only one customer’s fiber is in our mill at any one time, and we work with one customer at a time. We do not store fiber. We process and get it back to the customer in a timely manner…not sacrificing quality in any way! |
|
|
| Q. Why does it cost so much? |
| A. The cost of processing has much to do with the time involved. This is a labor intensive endeavor that most people are unaware of. The fiber must be prepared properly for correct outcome. Fiber that has to be re-wash takes more time. Lace and fingering weight yarns take longer to produce. The spinner can’t be set to high like and oven and then let loose. For the best results it takes time and care. Each process is crucial for the best end result. Remember…”You get what you pay for!” |
|
|
| Q. Why is white harder to process? |
| A. White fiber are generally crimpy”er” and finer fibers. These fibers hold more dirt and are thus harder to get clean with one wash. Any fiber that is not clean once it reaches the spinner will not spin with slubs and the like. Finer, crimpy”er” fiber are more desirable for the value of the fiber, but take more time to process correctly. The fiber the fiber the better the warm and the lighter the garment. |
|
|
| Q. Do you raise Alpacas? |
| A. Yes we do. We maintain our own herd of high quality alpacas. We do not show our alpacas. We raise them for the fiber benefit alone. |
|
|
| Q. Why don’t you provide skirting services? |
| A. We believe it is every alpaca owners responsibility to be concern and caring for the fiber that their animals produce. These are fiber animals. Every famer knows a tomatoe doesn’t grow without care, and the same with fiber. You need to know what is happening with your fiber. |
|
|
| Q. How long does it take to skirt one fleece? |
| A. One prime fleece should take a person about 1 hour to properly skirt. However, fiber that is excessively dirty can take much longer. |
|
|
| |
