Warm your Heart with Alpaca!

If you have ever worn an Alpaca scarf or shawl, you will know it is one of the warmest, softest things out there! As we get closer to Valentines Day, we wanted to take a moment to learn a little more about what makes alpaca so unique. 

We buy our alpaca styles from Canadian brand, Pokoloco, who import their product from artisans in Ecuador. This awesome, small business has been supplying customers with high-quality alpaca goods for several years now. This is how they describe their product,

“Our Alpaca wraps are designed in collaboration with a family of indigenous artisans who live in the volcanic andrean mountain range. This product is part of our artisan alpaca series and connects you to their long textile tradition. Stronger than mohair, smoother than silk, finer than cashmere and warmer than wool. Non-itchy, breathable, light-weight, water-repellant, hypoallergenic. Hand-loomed and fair trade.”

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) explains some of the ways in which alpaca is a sustainably sourced material, that supports small scale producers and does not harm the environment. They state,

• Most alpaca fiber is produced in the alpaca’s native environment, the Andean highlands.
• Goats and sheep have hooves which can cause land degradation. Alpaca, on the other hand, have padded feet that are gentle and do not harm the earth.
• When alpaca graze, they do not damage or destroy root systems, so land is left undamaged and plants continue growing after an alpaca has eaten it.

Read their full article about Alpaca here, with many great links to learn more. You can also watch a video about traditional alpaca production in Ecuador, here!

We hope you enjoyed learning about this natural and sustainable fiber that is enjoyed worldwide due to its versatility and warmth. If you are looking for a special gift this Valentines Day, we highly recommend something from our Alpaca Collection. It is the gift that keeps on giving, because every time you wear it, it feels like a warm hug!

 photo credit- Josiah Farrow- Pexels.