First Step

Shearing

It is the process where the fleece (all the fiber that covers the alpaca) is cut and separated. Shearing is usually carried out between October and November, warmer months with fresh grass.

Selection

Among the types of fleece there is the “mantle” which is the fiber obtained from the back and its sides; and the “panties” that are removed from the camelid’s chest, limbs and head. After shearing, the thick hairs around the animal are cleaned and the wool is classified and separated according to age, body area, length and fineness, and color.

Combed and Yarned

With the fiber already selected and categorized, impurities such as straws, animal manure and sunburned wicks are separated. Then it is combed to give uniformity to the color and texture of the fiber, obtaining a smooth and even fiber. Later, the artisan spins using a vertical handmade spinning wheel (p´ushka, in quechua and qapu, in aymara). This process consists of curl the already combed fiber in one hand and holding the spinning wheel with the other, making it spin to the right side to convert the fiber into a yarn.

Yarn twisting

Generally, two threads of the same color are put together and twisted with a larger and heavier wooden spinning wheel than the one used for spinning, it can be done in two or four ends, both to the right and to the left depending on the purpose of the garment to be woven.

Skein roll and wool wash

The twisted yarn is arranged in the form of a skein for later washing. It is important that the skein is well made so as not to have difficulties when making the ball. For this process the yarrn winder is used.
In the washing process, impurities, grease and dirt are removed from the fiber. The steps are:

  • Soak the skein in warm or hot water for about 35 minutes.
  • In lukewarm water, apply neutral soap to wash the skein, moving in one direction without squeezing or rubbing, until all the grease or dirt is released from the fiber.
  • Then it is rinsed in lukewarm water until the remains of soap and soil come out.
  • To dry, drain and spread the skein. without ever squeezing it.

Hand-wind the yarn ball

It is the final process before the loom weaving, for this the winding machine is used, taking care that the thread is uniformly wrapped for an adequate presentation and easy weaving.