The Finest Peruvian Fibers
SOUTH AMERICAN CAMELIDS: ALPACA
Alpacas (lama pacos) are members of the South American camelids family and are closely related to llamas, guanacos and vicuñas.
Alpacas are indigenous to the Peruvian highlands, where they were domesticated thousands of years ago. Currently, there are an estimated 3.5 to 4.0 million alpacas in South America, and about 95% of them are found in the southern region of Peru.
Alpacas live at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to over 4,500 meters above sea level, where they are able to withstand temperatures that fluctuate between -20 degrees °C to +30 degrees °C in a single day and where they survive on a low-protein diet based on natural grasses.
There are two types of alpacas: The Huacayo is the predominant type of alpaca. Its fine, bulky fleece offers the widest range of natural shades. It has a harmonious shape giving an appearance of strength and grace. Suri is the less common species of alpaca. It has a long, shiny and silky fiber which comes in narrow range of natural shades such as white, fawns and light browns. Its shape has an eye-catching look thanks to its long hair.
PIMA COTTON
Pima cotton is a type of cotton grown primarily in the southwest region of the United States, Peru and a few other countries. It is considered to be one of the finest blends of cotton, superior in quality and is extremely durable and absorbent. Its origins date back to its cultivation in Peru.
In MFH Knits we apply Pima cotton in a wide variety of products. It is used in sweaters, cardings, tanks, accessories and blankets. One of the advantages of this unique fiber is that the thickness of the cloth it weaves creates a durable fabric with a very pleasant feel to it.