The Alpaca is a member of the camelid family - a smaller cousin to the Camel and Llama. There are two other members of that family, the Vicuna and the Guanaco. The Alpaca is actually more closely related to the vicuna, a much rarer animal producing very fine quality fleece.

Alpacas have played a part in the economies of South America for thousands of years. First domesticated by the Incans for their exceptionally high quality fleece, Alpacas have been bred in North America for the last 20 years. The Alpaca is being raised in Texas by a growing number of ranchers, both large and small.

Alpaca fiber is shorn from the animals once a year - in Texas usually in early to late spring. This process doesn't harm the animals providing a renewable crop each year. The fleece comes in over 20 natural colors and over 200 shades of color, and can be dyed and spun into a variety yarns for both knitting and weaving. Alpaca is lighter and stronger than wool and can be blended with complementary fine quality yarns that produce stunning and very comfortable garments.