Alpacas were first raised by the native people of Peru thousands of years ago. They were bred and raised specifically for their fine fiber. Alpaca fiber is rich, thick and lustrous. Along with camels and llamas, alpacas are classified as camelids. 

Alpacas are herd animals, and they form strong emotional bonds with their companions. Alpacas are gentle, inquisitive, intelligent and observant. It is said that they have a contemplative nature.

The majority of alpacas’ communications with each other and with other species are in the form of a hum. That hum takes on a wide variety of tones and expressions, and the alpaca is able to get its point across in almost any situation. A loud and urgent hum signals danger to other members of the herd, while a quiet, soft hum—almost like a sigh—indicates pleasure or contentment. When an alpaca is curious, its hum sounds like a question, “Hmmmmm?”

All of the alpaca fiber and yarns come from our own animals at Shepherds Bay and are sold in their natural colors.

Our alpaca wool may be ordered by color, or you may request the fleece/wool of a specific animal.

The alpacas are shorn once a year.  The wool is then skirted, sorted, and hand washed before being carded and spun into soft three-ply yarns.  We use no chemicals in the processing of our wool.

Fiber sold as fleece or raw wool is skirted to remove unusable and dirty portions.  The fiber is washed and ready for carding.