Alpaca Yarn questions

[Aeress]

Hi ladies,
I am new to knitting and can easily see this becoming a hobby. I would love to get some local alpaca yarn but wondered if you had experience with it. I am still learning about weight and reading patterns.

So, as a newbie how is alpaca?

Also any advice on where to find good resources for learning about knitting (visited knitting help already) like books, would be great. I can add them to my wish list.

[MeepyCat]

There's a ton of variation between yarns. Before you buy anything, go look at it, smell it and feel it. If you still want it after that, *then* think about the colors and weights available and what you want to do with them. Personally, I often find alpaca a little itchy, so I don't work with it.

If there's alpaca local to you, there are probably other fibers local as well, so when you go check it out, don't limit yourself to the goathair. Look at (and feel, and smell) it all.

ALso, before you buy, think about why you knit. Are you trying to make things that you will use? Is it a meditative exercise? Are you grooving on the process, or is it all about the end product? For process knitting, absolutely splash out for the nicest possible fiber, so that you can sink your hands into it every day. For things you intend to use, or for children to wear, make sure that all of your knitting will survive wearing and washing.

[UnassistedMomma]

You also need to be aware that the higher the alpaca content, the more different it is in 'drape' and behavior than wool yarns. That should always be kept in mind when deciding what to make with it, and how high of an alpaca content to use. Alpaca is very drapey as opposed to springy, so it can really change the way your FO hangs on the body.

Another thing to remember is that alpaca is much, much warmer than wool. Again, the higher content, the higher the differential. A big Scandinavian style sweater in 100% alpaca could give you a heat stroke!! lol Same with socks. Too much alpaca in sock yarn would make your feet too hot and sweaty.

Just some things to keep in mind.

- An Alpaca farmer of 6 years.

[iowaorganic]

I personally love alpaca. My second project ever was a pair of alpaca longies for my DD to wear under her dresses for church. So lush and soft and warm! I don't know about your local source- but you can often get alpaca in various weights- I usually just go with the DK/almost worsted weight. Works so well for so many cushy soft projects. I am making a triangle shawl out of some right now!

[fallriverfox]

I have a lot of alpaca love. It is very very warm, but so soft. I think it's about the best thing around for winter hats.

[flapjack]

Originally Posted by MeepyCat

If there's alpaca local to you, there are probably other fibers local as well, so when you go check it out, don't limit yourself to the goathair. Look at (and feel, and smell) it all.

To clarify, alpaca isn't from goats GOOD things come from goats, like cashmere and mohair. Run, don't walk, to the goathair.

To answer the original question, alpaca is great for anything small or seamed. Because of the way it tends to be spun, the yarn will stretch and grow out of shape easily, so you wouldn't want to use it for anything like, say, a moss stitch pea coat knit in one piece. Hats would be great, mittens would work, and so on.

[PSiudek]

Hey there ladies,
I have become really interested in Alpaca Clothing. Can somebody tell me the difference between Baby and Royal types of Alpaca wool?

Thanks,