Granead Alpacas: Natural Local Alpaca Yarn

Alpaca wool is beautiful. Granead Alpaca is produced here in Canberra or in Burra to be precise.

                    Soft Rich Caramel Alpaca Photographed from the shop shelf.

                         Soft light earthy Alpaca photographed from the shelf in the shop.


ABOUT GRANEAD ALPACA:

Chris and Sharon moved to Burra four years ago, and originally bought two alpacas as lawnmowers. (Burra is just south of  Queanbeyan/Canberra in the catchment area of Googong Dam.) 

Since that time they have expanded the herd to 15 alpacas, and the birth of the first baby alpaca (called a cria) in April has expanded their herd to 16. Next year they expect to have five more babies.

Sharon said that unlike most other breeders, they are not aiming to only breed white alpacas.

“We are breeding for coloured alpacas, but all colours are good,” she said. 

 Alpacas are originally from South America and according to ancient Incan legend, were loaned to humans on Mt. Ausangate in Peru, to be left on earth as long as they were treated well and respected. Domesticated for over 5000 years, they were used by the Incas for food, fuel, clothing, and transportation, although today their usage commercially is mainly for their fleece.

Alpacas were introduced to Australia in 1989 and today the national herd is made up of more than 40 000 animals.

There are 22 colour combinations of alpaca wool, ranging from deep auburns, soft greys, blue-blacks and browns, whites, and earth-toned shades of peach.

Being a hollow core fibre, alpaca wool is an effective insulator during the winter, and breathes effectively to keep you cool in the warmer months. In addition, alpaca fibre is hypo-allergenic, making it an attractive alternative for sensitive skin consumers.

Granead currently offers three natural colours – grey, caramel, chocolate and grey. These have been cleaned and processed into 8 ply wool – there are no dyes used, the colours are natural.

 Care and cleaning – alpaca wool and wool products should be washed by hand using products designed to be used with wool  Wash in lukewarm water and avoid agitating, spinning or writing the items. Lay the item on a towel and roll gently to remove excess water, and then dry the item flat, away from heat and direct sunlight.

Alpacas themselves are herd-oriented and known for their soft, pleasant humming. Other alpaca means of communication include body posture to indicate social order and spitting when extremely provoked. They live 15-25 years and weigh 100-170 pounds. They have long necks, large eyes, a short tail, ears that point outwards and are a member of the camelid family (which also includes llamas).

Environmentally friendly, alpacas have padded feet with toenails, not hooves, and do little damage to the terrain. They also have a three compartment stomach and digest their diet of grasses and hay efficiently. Their camel ancestry means that they drink little water.  These factors, along with their beautiful fleece, makes them ideal for Australian conditions.

This is the black alpaca wool from the black alpacas in the photo above. They are really black...and really soft.

The Alpaca wool being naturally coloured is extremely colour fast.

Grown in the Canberra region and prepared and spun in AUSTRALIA.

That little white baby is going to grow some nice wool too.......

                               


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