Alpaca Fiber

AdoptAPitBull

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I'm going to shear my alpacas for the first time next month. Technically, I'm not doing it, rather having someone do it for me so I don't eff it up. But anyway, is there a good alpaca fiber resource to read online? I've come across a few, but none that are comprehensive. Specifically, I need to know..

How to store it once it's off the animal.

Is there an online marketplace for fiber?

How do I clean it for sale prep?

What's the going rate for fiber these days?

I just got the animals a few weeks ago, and I'm still learning. Any help would be appreciated!
 

janmacbk

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I'm fairly new also..
if it is not cleaned has to be stored in open bag, needs to breathe.

to clean you need to pick out debris

then wash,,,that is where it gets tricky... I tend to have it turn to felt..
wash in sink a little detergent and hot water 220 degrees...soak 20 minutes
rinse in same temperature water, 20 minutes, may have to rinse twice.then roll in towel
or put in spinner in washer
DON"t Agitate fiber in any way..put in water push to cover and let it set

I wouldn't have answered this if some one else had because I'm FAR from being an expert, still a beginner like you.
 

AdoptAPitBull

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So you do this to the whole blanket once it's been cleaned? Would I be better off selling it un-washed in fear of messing it up?

It's both a blessing and a curse that I get to shear the animals so soon after buying them. I'm so behind!
 

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