Alpaca
Alpaca fiber is considered one of the finest in the world. Spun for thousands of years by indigenous people of the Andes highlands, alpaca was once reserved for Incan royalty.
Despite its name, “baby” alpaca actually refers to fiber that comes from the softest part of the adult alpaca's chest. The first clip of the shearling alpaca, called baby alpaca, provides this light, soft fiber. The softest of threads, these come from highly skilled cooperatives of artisans and small ateliers.
Alpaca is incredibly durable, with one of the highest tensile strengths of any natural fiber. Alpaca's unique, semi-hollow core gives it an insulating softness that captures heat and ensures coziness. With minimal lanolin and other oils, it is hypoallergenic and can often be worn by people who are allergic to wool.
Alpacas produce 22 tons of natural color ranging from the purest of whites to the richest of browns, caramels, and blacks. Due to the range of color, there is little need for dyeing.
“Imagine how long I have been on the road and the only thing that has been with me the whole time are the pieces I bought from you! That is how special they are. They are part of my journey. The thing most consistent thing in it actually — soothing and nurturing me the whole time.”