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Delivery was super quick

Delivery was super quick and the scarf is really beautiful - a perfect gift! Thank you!
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I absolutley adore my beret

Hi Samantha, I absolutley adore my beret...its worth all this cold weather, just so I can wear it more, looking forward to my next purchase. ...
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Good service

I love good service,and you certainly scored 10 out of 10. The scarf was for a 'special birthday' and was received with much praise and thanks 'it's...
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News

Latest Articles

 

A Look at Alpaca Baby Clothing
Despite our best hopes it seems that the summer is drawing to a close, and it will soon be time to start getting out your warmer winter knits! Lots of people buy knitted items for babies during the autumn and winter, such as babygros, hats and baby booties. Knitted items are soft and store heat well, and woollen baby booties are perfect for little feet that are quickly developing. .. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 16th September 2010

 

Buying Alpaca Baby Clothing
Winter baby clothing needs to be very warm and yet as lightweight as possible, to allow babies to move around freely and comfortably. Alpaca wool is a great choice for baby booties, babygros and blankets as it has a very unique fibre construction. Alpaca fibres are very lustrous and silky to the touch, and are much longer and flatter than the fibres found in sheep’s wool. .. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 16th September 2010

 

Invest in the Best Knits
Everyone needs a few good wardrobe staples such as smart shirts and trousers, well fitting jeans and a great jacket. A warm wrap or knitted shrug is also a great investment, as it can be worn throughout the year; as an extra layer during the winter months and to keep your shoulders warm on cooler summer nights. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 16th September 2010

 

Invest in the Right Woolens for Newborns
If you are looking for a useful yet special gift for a new mother and baby, knitted booties can make a great present. Gifts that the mother or baby can use to make their first few months more comfortable are always appreciated, and knitted booties are a thoughtful gift that is both useful yet can still be sentimental in the years to come; baby booties and shoes can be kept as a memento of the baby’s first year. .. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 16th September 2010

 

More Interesting Women’s Knitwear With Alpaca Fibre
Women’s knitwear is a widely available product. There are many stores both on the high street and online where you will be able to find a plethora of different styles of women’s knitwear made from a blend of wool and other synthetic fibres as well as the higher quality sheep’s wool and alpaca wool. The great thing about knitwear is that it makes a wonderful gift, whether it is a birthday gift or a special Christmas gift. The recipient will appreciate the sentiment and enjoy the warmth that it provides for her throughout the colder months.. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th August 2010

 

Wool gloves do the job, no matter what you need.
Trying to convince a child that they need to dress up properly when going outside can be a hard task for any parent. When the child just wants to run about and have fun in the rain, snow or wind, the parent knows that doing so leaves them open to chills, colds and all manner of ailments. Therefore, finding clothes that can help to keep out the conditions but are also fun and enjoyable for a child to wear is something that needs to be explored. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th August 2010

 

Wool gloves come in handy
Any parent will tell you that it is extremely important to wrap children up warm whenever they are going outside. It may not feel too cold for an adult but children can experience the chill more acutely than adults so a parent needs to be aware of this. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th August 2010

 

Women’s Knitwear Is Still Top Of The Fashion Parade
When it comes to women’s knitwear, products like cardigans and sweaters are usually at the forefront of peoples minds. These product types have been at the centre of many women’s wardrobe for centuries and there doesn’t appear to be any reason why this will change in the future. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th August 2010

 

Unique Baby Gifts Will Be Warmly Received
Whenever a friend or family member has a baby, it is an extremely joyous occasion and one that most people want to mark with buying a present. The only problem, can come with the happy parents being inundated with so many presents, they may end up with many of the same gifts. For many items, this is not a problem as children go through clothes and nappies so fast but if you are giving a gift, you like to think it will provide a benefit or function to the parent and baby. This is why so many people are looking for unique baby gifts to give to their friends or loved ones. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th August 2010

 

Long Lasting Quality Knitwear Items
Alpaca knitwear is prized by many due to its incredibly soft and luxurious feel; however it is also very practical and hard wearing, making it ideal for clothing all year round! The natural fibres of the alpaca are very lightweight, however they are excellent at retaining heat; they are even thermal when wet. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th August 2010

 

Knitted Baby Blankets Are Perfect For Your Youngsters
You don’t need to tell any mum or dad how brilliant having a baby is. But it can also be a challenging task trying to ensure that everything is in place for their new arrival. If the baby is their first one, it’s all going to be a bit new to them and although helpful friends and relatives are always at hand for assistance, it is easy to see why certain things can be overlooked or forgotten.. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th August 2010

 

Beautiful Baby shawls For Special Little Ones
Baby shawls make a fantastic gift for new babies and mothers, and if you choose a good quality material and design it will last well and can be their comforter for many years to come. Alpaca wool is a particularly luxurious material to look for when choosing baby shawls , as it has many diverse properties which make it suitable for use throughout the year. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th August 2010

 

Alpaca Hat is Top Choice
You may have heard the term ‘alpaca wool’ but not have been sure what the differences are between it and more commonly used sheep wool. It is fair to say that there are many similarities as you would expect, but wool from the alpaca has a number of distinct advantages which makes it a perfect fabric to work with ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th August 2010

 

What is the best Baby Blanket on the market?
Baby Blankets are one of the most popular gifts to receive for the birth of your child. I have been producing my alpaca blankets now for over 7 years and am delighted to see customers returning time after time to buy more. Incidentally, this is not because their alpaca baby blanket has worn out and needs to be replaced. No, it’s because siblings no. 2 and 3 need one as well. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th August 2010

 

Alpaca Baby Clothes are Appreciated By Mums And Little Ones
Alpaca wool is used to create soft yet hard wearing clothing and accessories, and is considered to be a luxurious fibre to work with and wear. Even fashion designer Armani has used alpaca wool to create men’s and women’s suits, and this is a testament to the versatility and durability of the woven fabric. . ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th August 2010

 

Baby Showers
‘Baby showers’ were once an American phenomenon although in recent years have become more and more popular in the UK. It is often thought they get their name from the ‘showering’ of gifts that the expectant mother receives; however this is not true.. . . ..READ MORE >>

Article added 21st April 2010

 

How to Wear a Summer Shawl
Summer shawls are an essential accessory in your wardrobe over the summer months. They are the perfect addition to your wedding outfit, strappy dress or even swimsuit if it’s hot! . . ..READ MORE >>

Article added 21st April 2010

Alpaca Travel Wraps
Our alpaca travel wraps are the must have item for the lady on the go. Handmade in Peru from 100% baby alpaca yarn, these travel wraps are wonderfully light, warm and versatile from season to season. In a time where the airport security procedures tighten and hand luggage sizes decrease, until we can hardly fit our shampoo into our on flight bags, our beautiful wraps are the perfect solution. Alpaca is renowned for its flexible qualities and can be squashed down to a fraction of its original size, while barely creasing at all. . ..READ MORE >>

Article added 23rd March 2010

 

Alpaca Baby Blankets
Baby Blankets are one of the most popular gifts to receive for the birth of your child. I have been producing my alpaca baby blankets now for over 7 years and am delighted to see customers returning time after time to buy more. Incidentally, this is not because their alpaca baby blanket has worn out and needs to be replaced. No, it’s because siblings no. 2 and 3 need one as well. I have been glad to learn that they are not just baby blankets, but also toddler blankets and comforters which continue to be treasured long after their first birthdays.. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 23rd March 2010

 

Applecross Alpaca
Needing a bolt hole? Somewhere with no wi fi, telephones, rush hour traffic? Look no further, our beautiful crofter’s cottage on the rugged coast of the Applecross peninsula might be your answer. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 1st March 2010

 

Ruffle Trim Shawls for Spring
Is Winter ruffling your feathers? As warmer days draw near, my new Spring Shawl is ready to delight you. On it’s way just now from sunny Peru, this deliciously light, fine gauge shawl knitted by my loyal ladies in Lima from softest 100% Baby Alpaca with a ruffle trim all the way round is the perfect accessory for your Spring / Summer wardrobe . ...READ MORE >>

Article added 1st March 2010

 

A Unique Alpaca Gift
If you are looking for a perfect gift for that special someone why not consider alpaca gloves? The alpaca is an animal that closely resembles a llama; however the wool they produce is very sought after. Products that are made from alpaca wool are very durable so they will stand the test of time. For longevity and quality, a pair of alpaca gloves is a very wise investment. ...READ MORE >>

Article added 3rd December 2009

 

Alpaca Clothing Keeps Babies Warm and Looking Smart
When a new baby arrives in the family, it is usual for everyone to flock around and bring gifts for both baby and the parents. Items such as babygros, dummies, rattles and toys are all common to give as presents to a newborn, and with the amount of washing a new baby brings with it, it is a good idea for new parents to have as many clothes for the nipper as possible. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 3rd December 2009

 

Alpaca Clothing Makes You Look Fabulous!
Many people consider the Winter months an ideal time to have a really good clean out of their outgrown or discarded clothing. With bulky sweaters and cardigans needing more room in drawers and wardrobes now that the cold months have arrived, Summer clothing has to either be stored away for another few months, or, if not wanted anymore, a decision has to be made as to where it will go. Nobody likes having to do this, but it does give us a chance to assess the clothing we've got for the Winter, and a perfect excuse to buy more if needed. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 3rd December 2009

 

Christmas is Coming, Keep Warm and Wrap Up
With Winter tightening it's grip on the UK, it is very important that we all start to dig out our warm clothes and make sure we keep as wrapped up as possible. Illnesses such as coughs and colds are very common in both children and adults during this time of the year, so care must be taken to avoid the risk of getting poorly is possible. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 3rd December 2009

 

What an Interesting Animal
Alpacas are an animal that closely resemble a Llama in appearance, although they have quite quirky banana shaped ears and are smaller. They are highly intelligent and very inquisitive. Alpacas have a very high quality fleece and therefore are now bred in several countries around the world. Canada, Australia, The United Kingdom, The United States as well as New Zealand now home some of the largest herds. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 3rd December 2009

 

A Multipurpose Material
Where should you look for a wool that is warm yet light, in a staggering variety of natural colours, and so luxurious that the finest fibres were traditionally reserved for royalty?.. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th November 2009

 

Alpaca Clothes, Fashion and Functionality
The alpaca is a smaller, domesticated species of the South American camelid family, and has been farmed for its fibre for thousands of years. Originally from the highlands of Peru, they are now raised all over the world, and their versatile wool is used for a very wide range of alpaca clothes, bedding and homewares... ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th November 2009

 

Alpaca Wool, A Winter Warmer
Alpacas are a breed of domesticated South American camelid, similar in appearance to llamas, and one or two feet shorter than a traditional camel. They originate from Peru, Bolivia and Chile, and are raised in high altitudes; traditionally the Andes. They are now bred all over the world, and are raised specifically for their fleece. The fibres are shorn annually from the animals, and are then spun and woven in the same manner as sheep’s wool, to create bedding, homewares and clothing. Alpaca wool has many remarkable properties that are above other materials, even those that are man made.. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th November 2009

 

The Perfect Winter Garment
The winter months are fast approaching, and despite some warmer days here and there it seems that we are now well into autumn. The leaves are turning the most beautiful russet shades (which although pretty is annoying when they fall into garden ponds, gutters and all over lawns and flower beds!) Any time now we can anticipate the first widespread frosts, heralding the start of another few months with the dark early mornings spent de-icing cars and gritting pathways and drives. At least we can prepare for the coming chill, stocking up on bedsocks, blankets and hot chocolate for evenings and some warm winter daywear.. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th November 2009

 

The Rarest of Them All
Alpaca wool can be found in a staggering variety of colours, thicknesses and weights. The fleece of these hardy animals is coloured through 22 separate shades, making alpaca yarn and wool available in natural browns and creams, as well as black, white, grey and silver tones. The weight and thickness of the fibres is dependant on the breed of alpaca from which they have been taken. Huacaya alpacas provide a thicker slightly coarser fleece, which has a natural elasticity when woven into skeins. Consequently, this type of thread is ideal for knitted goods such as jumpers, socks and hats. The other breed of alpaca, Suri, produces a finer fleece with smoother strands. This creates a silkier thread, and is best suited to woven items such as blankets and wraps. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th November 2009

 

Luxurious Alpaca Accessories for the Winter Months
There is nothing like a warm and comfortable snood on a chilly morning. It softly covers your head and neck protecting from cold winds and is also adjustable, so you can take it down when the sun gets warm. As you walk outside, accessories that keep you comfortable and protected from the cold are an absolute necessity. It is an added bonus if the pieces are also soft and beautiful.. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 7th October 2009

 

Appreciating the Alpaca
The camelid family of animals are believed to have originated between 10 and 50million years ago in the plains of North America, where 20 different species of camelid could be found roaming freely. Today, there are six different species of camelid; the dromedary and Bactrian camels found in Africa and Asia, and the guanaco, vicuna, llama and alpaca which are native to South America. The alpaca is a domesticated camelid, and has been bred for thousands of years for its soft, short fur, which is used in the production of unique alpaca clothes and fabrics. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 7th October 2009

 

All About the Snood
A snood is a type of headwear which is designed to be worn over the back of the head, covering a woman’s long hair and keeping it together. It is a garment which has enjoyed varying degrees of popularity throughout a long history, and is recently enjoying resurgence into mainstream fashion with hybrid snoods that double as neck tubes. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 7th October 2009

 

There's Something About Snoods
Known as a ‘hairnet’ in America, the snood is an item of clothing, usually of cloth or a loosely knitted yarn, which is designed to be worn around the back of the head with the purpose of covering long hair and keeping it in place. The word snood comes from the Old English word ‘snod’, meaning a ribbon for the hair, and dates back to around 725AD. It was used to describe a cloth or netting used to cover the head, as well as items known today as hair bands. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 7th October 2009

 

The Perfect Choice for Winter
Farmed for their lightweight, luxurious fibres, alpacas have seen a surge in herd numbers in areas such as North America, Australia and China. A member of the camelid family, along with llamas and camels, 80% of the numbers of alpacas can be found in the Andes region of South America. The alpaca is the only member of the camelid family which is regularly used to produce fashion garments, with Queen Victoria reportedly keeping many pieces of alpaca clothing. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 7th October 2009

 

Why Babies Love Alpaca Blankets
Alpaca blankets are a great choice for anyone all year around, no matter what the season. Products made from 100% alpaca are not only of a great quality but also come from a renewable source thus making it a very eco-friendly product to have and own. The quality of alpaca wool means it is lighter, stronger and warmer than the sheep’s wool that is commonly used for products such as sweaters or blankets. This means that anyone you can be assured of the ultimate in comfort at night when they are sleeping under an alpaca blanket. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th September 2009

 

Modern Fashion
In today's modern era, fashion changes at almost the same rate we change our clothes. Maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it does seem that almost every week a new look will appear in the magazines and on the television, prompting the more image conscious among us to make a trip to the local shopping centre. From denim to cotton and wool to silk, the range of clothing and styles available are huge and there is usually something to satisfy even the fussiest of shoppers. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th September 2009

 

How to Care for Alpaca Clothing
Alpaca clothing is becoming ever more popular in today’s society because of the many benefits that come along with owning alpaca clothes. Alpaca is a material that is smooth as silk, and just as comfortable, but three times warmer than sheep’s wool. Alpaca clothing is ideal to wear at any time of year as well because despite being warm, the alpaca material is made up of hollow fibres that allow the alpaca to breathe, meaning you can wear it in the summer and winter alike. Alpaca is very strong so it wears very well and stands the tests of time. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th September 2009

 

Keeping Warm this Winter
The colder Autumn and Winter months are nearly upon us, and with the coming of the cold comes the natural desire to keep warm, wrap up and enjoy the dark evenings in front of a hot fire and the television. However, we can't stay in the house for the next six months without venturing outside, so it is imperative we are all dressed appropriately for the weather! ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th September 2009

 

Alpaca Clothing
As Summer draws to a close and Autumn begins, we all take a close look in our wardrobes to make sure we have appropriate clothing to keep us warm as it gets colder. Our summer dresses are carefully packed away, along with our shorts and flip flops, and the heavier sweaters and trousers come to the fore to be used for the next few months. However, with the way fashions change, it may be that some of us decide to do some extra shopping to make sure the clothes we are going to be wearing suit the dress sense of today.. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 9th September 2009

 

Alpaca - Cloth from a Pioneering Era
Have you ever wondered if there is a kind of natural wool suitable for those with sensitive skin? One which can even be worn against the most precious skin of all, that of a baby? Those who are unfamiliar with different types of wool may not have heard of alpaca, even though it has been used in Great Britain since the 19th Century and in the alpaca’s homeland of the South American Andes for thousands of years. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 29th July 2009

 

Alpaca and the Spanish Conquistadors
The alpaca had thrived in Peru and Chile for thousands of years, living on and around the Andes Mountains, until the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th Century. As the conquistadors were unused to the native animals and agriculture, when they arrived they brought with them European livestock for meat and wool. Among these were sheep, including the Merino, well known for its superb fleece. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 29th July 2009

 

Alpacas, Animals with Attitude
There are a number of reasons to love alpaca fibre products – they are soft, warm and luxurious to the touch, as well as light weight and fashionable.  There is another factor which makes the fibre all the more appealing to some - its amazing creature of origin.  The alpaca has been bred for thousands of years in the Andes region of South America, but keeping them in the United Kingdom has only really taken off over the last decade.  ..READ MORE >>

Article added 29th July 2009

 

Considering the Alpaca Industry
The use of alpaca fibre for items such as clothing and blankets originated in South America, where the fantastic wool bearing animals were bred from the wild Vicuna over thousands of years.  Today, alpaca are bred in a number of countries throughout the world by both hobbyists and farmers, who are attracted by the beguiling nature and pasture friendly behaviour of the animals.  By far the largest population of the animals is still in Peru, where an estimated three million live.  ..READ MORE >>

Article added 29th July 2009

 

Why Choose Baby Alpaca
In countries such as the United Kingdom, sheep have been used for both meat and wool for generation upon generation, and have played a key role in clothing and related industries.  Elsewhere in the world, humans have had to rely on other animals for this purpose, and in countries such as Peru in South America the alpaca, a camelid, still fulfils this role.  Like the fibre from many wool bearing animals, alpaca fleece can vary to an extent in texture, feel and quality. ..READ MORE >>

Article added 29th July 2009

Whatever the Weather
Here in Britain we are well known for discussing the weather an awful lot, and this is not surprising considering the changeable nature of our climate. Take the British summer time for example – one day it can be really hot with completely clear cornflower blue skies, the next the wind, rain and clouds can reappear with a vengeance .READ MORE >>

Article added 23rd July 2009

The Joy of Alpaca Wool Sweaters
The alpaca is part of the camelid family that includes guanacos, vicunas, and llamas, and their ancestry dates back some 10 million years. Most of the world’s population comes from the highlands of South American countries along the Andes Mountains, especially Peru. The animals are highly valued for their high‐quality wool that is used to make yarn and clothing, namely alpaca wool sweaters.. READ MORE >>

Article added 24th June 2009

Why an Alpaca Blanket is Better
The superior quality of an alpaca blanket makes it a treasured accessory for staying warm at home, particularly in the winter months. Alpaca wool is a fine fabric that has many desirable qualities, and if properly cared for, blankets and other garments will provide years of durable comfort. READ MORE >>

Article added 24th June 2009


Statements of taste
Choosing good quality, ethically produced items has become easier over recent years, as companies have recognised that consumers like to buy things that they feel good about. There is a growing desire among many people to make use of more natural, traditional foods and materials, and most shops now sell organic ranges. READ MORE >>

Article added 24th June 2009

Natural Comfort
Human beings have long made use of animal products to make clothing, and natural materials are still considered superior to manmade alternatives. In different parts of the world, people learned how to get the best from nature, and bred animals that carried large fleeces which could be shorn off and made into a variety of garments READ MORE >>

Article added 24th June 2009

A Natural Choice
Choosing good quality, ethically produced items has become easier over recent years, as companies have recognised that consumers like to buy things that they feel good about. There is a growing desire among many people to make use of more natural, traditional foods and materials, and most shops now sell organic ranges. READ MORE >>

Article added 24th June 2009


Article Archive

Alpaca for All Seasons - January 2009 READ ARTICLE >>
Alpaca Fashion for All Occasions - Pulse 2008 READ ARTICLE >>
Scottish Queen of Alpaca - January 2008 READ ARTICLE >>
All Things Natural in Alpaca - September 2007 READ ARTICLE >>
A New Concept in Alpaca - November 2003 READ ARTICLE >>
A New Concept in Alpace - June 2003 READ ARTICLE >>
Alpaca Babywear READ ARTICLE >>


 
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Samantha Holmes
Gifts & Home Accessories
Greenpark
Helensburgh
G84 7SE
Scotland
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