PASTAZA [50% Llama, 50% Peruvian Wool], Cascade

Last modified on
Mar 05, 2010

Natural Blends with Llama adn Suri Llama Fiber

• Llamas and Alpacas have lived in Bolivia and Peru for many thousands of years. It is known that the Incas have used Llamas for transportation purposes and Alpacas were mostly breed for their fine fibres. For the last 20 years, Peru has been well known for the industrialization of the Alpaca and Llama Fibres and has become the major exporter of Alpaca and Llama Fibres in various forms to the world. Peru has more than 3 million Alpacas, the largest population in the world, and 300 thousand Llamas the second largest population of these in the world after Bolivia (it has more than 3 million Llamas, the largest Llama population in the world).

• Llama Fiber, called The Cashmere of the Andes, is non-allergenic in that it does not contain any oils or lanolin. It is not necessary to use bulky yarn in order to obtain warmth. Llama fibre structure is semi-hollow, like a polar bear's coat, and this gives it excellent insulation qualities. Llama fibres have not been used extensively, as these present coarse fibres of up to 90 microns, making these fibres unappealing for the textile industry, thus limiting the industrialization of the Llama fiber.

• Did the ancient Inca make the finest woolen cloth the world has ever known? - by By Heather Pringle, Rocky Mountain Llama & Alpaca Association

Cascade Pastaza, made in Peru

Pastaza is remarkably soft and fluffy similarly to pure alpaca superfine yarns. Llama's coat structure is semi-hollow, like a polar bear's coat, and this gives it excellent insulation qualities. Like Alpaca, Cashmere Goat, and Vicuña's wool, the Llama's fiber can "breath" and is called "The Cashmere of the Andes" since the time when Incas called Llamas "silent brothers". As a matter of fact, Llama's wool as well as spun yarn is non-allergenic and lanolin free. Pastaza is suitable for hand knit garments of any types and styles, including fancy designed items. Garments made of this yarn are very easy to care for, cozy, and comfortable in wear. They are so soft that can be easily worn next to the skin, and will give you a feeling of protectiveness. * Note: we would recommend the use of needles of a slightly smaller size (up to 5 mm) to avoid stretching after first wash.

* Similar yarn: Super Alpaca, Snuggle, Paca de Seda

FIBRE: 50% Llama, 50% Peruvian Wool
YARN WEIGHT: Aran
TENSION: 10x10cm (4"): 16 sts / 22 rows on 4.5 mm, 4 sts = 1" on 5.5 mm needles
NEEDLES: 4.5 - 5.5 mm (US No.7-8)
LENGTH: approx. 119 m / 132 yards
HANK WEIGHT: 100 g
Shade Card 1 | Shade Card 2 | Shade Card 3
Shades 2009 | Knitted Sample
Sample patterns for alpaca
Sample patterns for wool (light chunky /aran weight garments are suitable)
Price: $9.99
In inventory: 001 Winter White, 026 Doeskin Heather (13 hanks), 059 Maroon, 064 Charcoal, 068 Sapphire Heather, 070 Olive Heather, 072 Timber Brown, 077 Golden Heather, 085 Duck Egg Heather, 270 Turquoise, 281 Dark Olive

Garment Care: hand wash with woolwash or baby shampoo in lukewarm water. Do not wring out, gently press to remove excess water. Dry flat pulling the garment into correct shape, away from direct heat and sunshine.

• Cascade Yarns Index

Patterns for Pastaza:
• Blithewold Cardigan, Kristin Nicholas, book "Knitting the New Classic". Yarn: Classic Elite Montera [50% Llama, 50% Wool]
• Seed Rib Crewneck, Classic Elite, book Classic Elite Knits, 100 Gourgeous Designs for Every Occasion. Yarn: Montera [50% Llama, 50% Wool]

* Suitable for Pastaza: Charcoal Cardigan and Scarf with PomPoms, Fait Main No. 10 /2008.

001, Winter White	026, Doeskin Heather * 13 hanks	059, Maroon	064, Charcoal
068, Sapphire Heather	070, Olive Heather	072, Timber Brown	077, Golden Heather
085, Duck Egg Heather	270, Turquoise	281, Dark Olive