Alpaca fleece advise please?

[kidnme]

I posted this in the needle felting forum, and it was suggested I repost here:

I have the opportunity to go to an alpaca sheering and the fleece will be for sale. From what I have read, alpaca wool felts well- is this correct?

I have NO idea what would be a reasonable cost for one--anyone with any general numbers or advise? It would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Shepherdess]

hi yes alpaca needle felts fine. it is a fine fiber and you would want to look for one with as little guard hair as possible. As for price i am not sure. you could have a look on eBay or etsy remembering that every time something is done to a fleece the price goes up (double is what seems to be most common) so washed and carded doubles the price dyeing doubles it again, unless you are dealing with really large producer/processors. we do have a few alpaca people here so perhaps they will have a good price range for you.

Ann

[MTRuth]

I too would suggest online research and see what offers you can find online. Again, as Ann pointed out, you need to pay attention to whether it is a raw fleece or washed and carded etc. to note the price differences.