We found these lovely purple-y cushion covers at Artesania Sorata, a
free trade coop in La Paz. They’re made from alpaca wool, which, besides being
some of the softest stuff in the world, has several other notable qualities
that support its reputation as a miracle fiber.
Now you may be wondering
about the difference between a llama and an alpaca. Llamas, along with alpacas,
vincuñas and guanacos are all camelids (i.e. related to the camel, but
humpless), yet there are marked physic...
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Now you may be wondering
about the difference between a llama and an alpaca. Llamas, along with alpacas,
vincuñas and guanacos are all camelids (i.e. related to the camel, but
humpless), yet there are marked physical distinctions between them. Besides being
about double the size of an alpaca, llamas have two coats—a course outer layer
and a soft inner one—while alpacas have a single fine coat—a miracle fiber that
besides being warm and luxurious, is also water-repellent, fireproof, and
hypoallergenic. The reason? For many centuries Alpacas have been bred for their
fiber, while llamas—those uncomplaining beasts of burden—have always been bred
to carry the heavy load.
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