Protein Fibers

*Quality Processing for the Fiber Enthusiast*
Protein Fibers
	Suri Alpaca Suri fiber is coveted by both the fashion industry and hand spinner. Fine grade Suri has the softness of cashmere, luster of silk, warmth of goose down, durability of wool, and its ability to accept color dyeing makes it a favorite among fiber enthusiasts. Suri fiber is noted for its drape and blends well with other fine fiber including silk and Merino. If shorn every year, the staple length should be about 6 inches.
	Huacaya Alpaca Huacaya fiber is fine, dense and exhibits a brightness or sheen. The ideal huacaya will produce fleece as soft and as fine as cashmere. Fine huacaya alpaca is spun into luxury garments that is soft enough to be worn close to the skin. Both Suri and Huacaya alpaca come in 22 colors!
	Merino Merino Wool is breathable, absorbent and is comfortable next to the skin. The natural crimp of merino wool fibers promotes entrapment of air between the wool fibers, acting as an insulator against both hot and cold temperatures. Each fiber can absorb up to one third of its own weight in moisture without feeling clammy or wet to the touch. Merino wool can absorb and release considerably more moisture than synthetics. Due to wool’s inability to host odor producing bacteria, wool fabrics are not susceptible to odors commonly associated with base layer clothing.
	Mohair Mohair is harvested form the Angora goat and is highly resilient and strong. Mohair’s luster, not softness, determines its value. Mohair is coarser than Suri alpaca except for Kid mohair (harvested at 6 months of age). Mohair is used in home decorating fabrics as well as garment fabrics including tropical worsteds.
	Cashmere Cashmere is the soft, airy, luxurious down from the cashmere goat. The cashmere is combed off the goat by hand and has a staple length of about 2 inches. Separation of the shorter soft fibers from the long, coarse guard hair is tedious and difficult, contributing to the expense of the fiber. The soft, delicate fiber is woven or knitted into fine, high quality garments. Cashmere can be blended with silk, cotton, alpaca or wool.
	Silk Silk is a natural protein fiber, like human hair, taken from the cocoon of the silkworm. Silk is the strongest natural fiber on the planet. A steel filament of the same diameter as silk will break before a filament of silk! Silk absorbs moisture, which makes it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Because of its high absorbency, it can be easily dyed in many rich colors. Silk also has elastic qualities that allow it to be stretched and then recover to its original size (unless stretched beyond 20-25% of its original length). Most silk fabrics can be hand washed. Imagine what it can do for your sock yarn!