Alpaca

Not only the origin of Nanaimo bars and birthplace of Diana Krall, Nanaimo is also a jumping-off point for the Cedar & Yellow Point Artisans Trail. A self-guided driving tour will take you to visit local British Columbian artists, crafters and farmers. Yellow Point Alpacas in Ladysmith is one such farm where you can see these gentle and curious animals up close. 

Alpacas were domesticated for their fibre thousands of years ago. They are social creatures, traditionally kept in herds in the Andes of Southern Peru, Western Bolivia, Ecuador and Northern Chile. Naturally, they live in family groups with one dominant territorial male, a female and their young. Because of this and the fact that larger numbers mean better protection from predators, alpaca farmers usually keep at least three animals to keep the animals’ stress levels down.

There is a gift shop on the Yellow Point Farm with warm, soft and luxurious products made from alpaca fleece – scarves, hats, socks, sweaters and stuffed animals. Alpaca is valued for its hypoallergenic characteristic. No lanolin means less washing before spinning the fleece; this is in contrast to sheep fleece. There is a diversity of natural fleece colours from white and beige to shades of fawn, brown, black, and grey. The lighter shades can be dyed to any colour. Blending with other fine fibres such as merino wool, cashmere, mohair, silk, or angora enhance a maker’s toolkit.

A hank of 100% alpaca yarn is shown in the photo on the left. Adjacent are hats I crocheted using alpaca blended with cotton and/or merino wool. Different combinations, different looks!