By Francis Rainsford
Francis Rainsford is the president of the International Alpaca Association which is headquartered in Arequipa, Peru. This article, which is also found in the Spring, 2005 issue of “Wild Fibers Magazine”, opens with the following ominous warning about the quality of Peruvian alpaca clip:
“Mounting concern is being expressed in Peru over the steady increase of coarser alpaca fibre (31 microns+) whilst the production of finer, and more commercial, qualities (20 to 26 microns) is diminishing by comparison. Further, the coarser qualities are noted for more kemp and general hairiness giving them an unattractive comfort factor for apparel.” Click here to read the entire article.