Why Alpaca Scarves are the Ultimate Cold Weather Accessory

There’s nothing like wrapping up warm in a gorgeous scarf to keep you cosy when the weather is cold, and if you’ve ever felt Alpaca wool, you’ll know it’s one of the softest and warmest wools around. American winters can be extremely cold, depending on which area of the States you live in, and Alpaca wool is the perfect choice to keep you warm and snug and bring you a touch of luxury every day.

In this article, we’ll take a look at where Alpaca wool comes from and why it’s such a great choice for your winter woollens, and we’ll share some of the most beautiful Alpaca scarves, which are ideal to accessorise every outfit in the winter or to gift to your loved ones to keep them warm in style. An Alpaca scarf is a good choice in any weather, giving you another way to layer up and is an especially useful option for evenings in the Spring and the Fall.

 

Where does Alpaca Wool Come From?

Alpaca wool is sheared from the Alpaca on an annual basis, and often does not need to be dyed since there is such a wide variety in the natural color of Alpacas. Alpacas are very hardy, adaptable animals and can withstand changes in temperature of more than fifty degrees Celsius in one day. This means that Alpaca wool has an impressive natural ability to thermoregulate, and this creates warm, breathable clothing that is highly durable.

Alpacas are native to South America and are similar to camels. Alpacas have been bred in South America, in Peru, Bolivia and Chile, for thousands of years and their wool has often been used to create garments for royalty. In recent years, Alpacas have been introduced to many other countries and the Alpaca wool in your favourite scarf may now be produced in the USA, Australia or New Zealand, although most of the world’s supply of Alpaca wool still comes from Peru.

The two breeds of Alpaca are known as the Huacaya Alpaca and the Suri Alpaca and both produce wool that is in high demand. Huacaya Alpaca wool is more elastic, making it easier to knit, and has a natural crimp. Suri Alpaca wool does not have a crimp and is much finer, so it is better suited to weaving. It can be used for very simple garments but is also a good choice for high end clothing, including suits.

 

What are the Benefits of Alpaca Wool?

Alpaca wool is a hollow fiber and this makes it a very effective insulator, giving you up to seven times more insulation than wool from sheep. This means that wool blends containing Alpaca wool can be lightweight and thin without compromising on warmth. Like sheep wool, Alpaca wool is a good choice for regulating your temperature, keeping you warm when the weather is cold by trapping air between layers of wool and helping you to stay cool in warmer weather by wicking away sweat and allowing your skin to breathe. Alpaca wool is also renowned for being the only wool that does not smell when wet, which makes it a very good choice for clothing!

Alpaca wool fibers are shorter than sheep wool fibers so they are often blended with sheep wool to create a more durable fabric. The Alpaca fibers are beautifully soft and are usually a good choice for wearing next to the skin. Baby Alpaca wool is even softer and is a good option for very sensitive skin. Alpaca wool does not contain lanolin, which is the substance in sheep wool that can sometimes irritate the skin, so it is a better choice of wool for those with allergies.

Alpaca wool is popular because it doesn’t ‘pill’ when washed, as some sheep wool does. This means that wool clothes look better for longer when they contain Alpaca wool, which is also more elastic than other fibers, making it more comfortable to wear. Alpaca wool, like sheep wool, varies in quality and provenance depending on the way the animals are cared for and it is important to ensure that you buy high quality Alpaca items that have come from sustainably produced wool.

 

How is Alpaca Wool Fabric Made?

The Alpaca wool fabric that is used to make scarves and other garments is produced using the following process:

 

1. Alpacas are usually shorn by hand, using specialist scissors, in order to ensure that they are comfortable and are not harmed in the shearing process. Some farmers prefer to shear all of their animals at one time, while others find it more beneficial to shear them at different times if they want to produce wool more consistently throughout the year. The ideal shearing time will depend upon the length of the Alpaca hair and the breed of the Alpaca. Alpacas often do not like be sheared so it usually requires an experienced team to handle the job.

 

2. The carding process takes the wool from its raw state to a state in which it can be spun. Carding involves combing the Alpaca wool fibers into the same direction, ensuring that they are aligned and not tangled. This makes it easier to spin the wool smoothly and leaves it fine and airy, which creates a beautiful spun fiber. Traditionally, teasels would have been used in the carding process, although this is now usually done with a specialist comb or brush.

 

3. Before it can be knitted or woven, the carded Alpaca wool must be spun into yarn. The process of spinning combines the carded wool fibers into a single fiber that is thick enough for knitting or weaving. The indigenous hand spinning methods are still used in Peru and some other areas, and this involves using a ‘pushka’, which is a drop spindle a little like a spinning top. Some producers use a treadle wheel, and some even spin their wool in factories rather than by hand.

 

4. Once the Alpaca wool has been spun into yarn, it will need washing to remove dirt or impurities from the wool. This process is also done the traditional way by Peruvian producers and they often use wild plants in the process. The wool must then be air dried to ensure that the quality is maintained.

 

When the Alpaca wool has dried, it is ready for use and can be knitted or woven into a garment, a blanket or a throw. It is a popular choice for gloves, socks and sweaters because it is such a fine yarn, and it is often used for outerwear and sportswear due to its thermoregulating and heat retention properties.

 

Alpaca Wool and Sustainability

Alpaca wool is considered sustainable where it is produced using animal friendly practices. It is produced in small quantities, often by artisan producers, and using traditional methods that are kinder to the environment. Alpaca wool is biodegradable and is usually undyed, so the opportunities for pollution to occur are low. You can check the provenance of your wool, which may be approved by the World Fair Trade Organisation if it is produced sustainably.

 

Alpaca Scarves You’ll Love

Just like other garments made from Alpaca wool, Alpaca scarves are super soft and warm, with a luxurious feel that won’t irritate your skin. Alpaca scarves are ideal for men and for women, and the gorgeous selection of colors and styles in our catalogue means you’ll find the perfect choice for every occasion. If you’re looking for a simple, stylish scarf, you’ll love the Alpaca Scarf in Brown Herringbone, which is handcrafted from the finest Alpaca wool at the Mucros Weavers Studio in Killarney. It’s a classic design in a warm, earthy brown tones and the quality shines through to make this a wonderful gift or the scarf you will reach for time and time again. It’s made from 100% Alpaca wool for the ultimate in softness and warmth, and it’s a great choice for a winter walk or for wearing to work.

If you like to wear a scarf that brings a little more color to your outfit, there are many different color options for you to choose from. We love the Alpaca Scarf in Purple, White and Brown, made from 100% Alpaca wool in Ireland. It complements a plain sweater or overcoat, giving you a super stylish way to wrap up warm and enjoy the outdoors when the weather is cold. We also love the Multi-Color Bright scarf, which will bring any outfit to life, and the Earth Tones scarf for a more subtle color combination.

If you’ve never worn Alpaca wool before, you’re in for a treat when you discover the stunning Islander Stole, available in a range of beautiful color combinations. We love the Multi Green, which is a real celebration of Irish heritage and will remind you of the unique history of the Emerald Isle whenever you wear it. It is made in Ireland from a luxurious blend of wool that includes 50% Alpaca wool, 10% Merino wool and 32% viscose for durability and strength. The design is wider and longer than a regular scarf so it can also be worn as a shawl or a wrap, making it a great accessory for a more formal outfit for a winter wedding, for instance. We also love the Purple, Orange and Green color combination, which is a striking choice you’ll love to wear all winter. The Islander Stole is suitable for men and women and the more subtle color choices include Grey Beige and Yellow, Green and Red, so you can find the best combination for yourself or purchase it as a gift for someone special in your life.

Alpaca wool is also the wool of choice for our gorgeous Wool hats, including the Wool County Hat in Donegal Red. This is made from 70% Sheep wool and 30% Alpaca wool, in traditional flapper style. It is handwoven by Branigan Weavers in Ireland using the finest of wools, and can add a unique touch of style to any outfit. The more subtle Donegal Grey color combination is a great choice for work or a more sombre occasion, or you can fully embrace the color spectrum with the bright and jaunty Ladies Wool Peaky Blinders Hat. This is a truly cheerful choice, made in traditional Newsboy style with a blend of 30% Alpaca wool and 70% Sheep wool, and you’ll love the Donegal Sunshine color combination that will ensure you stand out for all the right reasons.

 

Find A Little Piece of Irish Heritage at Weavers of Ireland

At Weavers of Ireland, we believe that the traditional craftsmanship that has been so important to Ireland for centuries should be preserved for future generations. Our catalogue is designed to showcase the very best of Irish knitting and weaving, with a beautiful range of scarves, hats, sweaters and jackets made from the finest wools. We believe that everyone will find something they love in our collection, and we are especially proud of the designs that reflect the natural colors of the Irish countryside.

As well as stunning Alpaca scarves and other woollen clothing designs, we have an excellent range of homewares and baby toys, including blankets and throws that make wonderful wedding gifts. If you are planning to visit Ireland, we’d love to see you in one of our stores, located in Killarney, Kenmare, Dublin, Galway, Glengarriff and Kinsale. If you’re shopping online, you will find our full range on our website at Weavers of Ireland.