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Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Leaves are reaching their most beautiful moment here in the Sierra Foothills. It’s almost bittersweet watching them turn scarlet, amber and goldenrod, knowing the spectacular sight precedes their falling to the ground in quiet surrender to nature’s wishes. Sierra Rose Alpacas is fortunate to be in one of the prettiest locations of our country – a place with real seasons and treed vistas.
The waning of fall into winter brings briskly cold nights and the Holidays are approaching. Long nights by a roaring fire, bread baking in the oven and a soft, warm Alpaca yarn throw, enveloping you in luxury, makes those winter nights cozy and sensual.
It’s getting cold. Really cold. Does it seem surreal that we have suddenly gone from a lovely fall with temperatures in the 70’s to a mere 30 degrees this morning? Soon, 30 will seem a bit balmy, and we may well be trudging through snow to feed our Alpacas.
What’s the antidote to all this frost? Alpaca fleece! What better gift could you give yourself (or those you love) to help ease the pain of cold toes and fingers? Alpaca fiber socks and gloves not only are warm and soft, but last a long time – give a pair of Alpaca gloves to a friend and you’ll be thought of with love each year as soon as it becomes cold.
Alpaca fleece is some of the softest, most luxurious fleece in the world. In ancient Inca culture, only royalty were allowed to wear garments made from this fleece. The royals could easily be identified by their clothing; it was evidence of their exalted status.
The fiber from Alpacas is sought-after by fiber artists the world over. Whether they knit, crochet, weave, or felt – everyone loves to work with Alpaca yarn. Not only is it lovely to wear; it simply feels wonderful to sit with a pile of Alpaca yarn on your lap on a cold evening and knit a sweater.
Alpaca fiber is semi-hollow, similar to micro-fiber in its ability to trap air and ideally regulate warmth. Semi-hollow fibers are lighter in weight and trap air in the core, causing the wearer to warm up quickly. It also ‘wicks’ moisture, instead of trapping it – which means it allows moisture to be transported from your body through the fabric to the outside, where it can evaporate.
Naturally flame retardant, it has extremely high tensile strength, superior thermal properties, contains no lanolin and requires no chemicals to process. It is hypoallergenic and is a renewable resource (Alpacas are shorn each year). Best of all, it comes in twenty-two natural colors! Even if you wish to add dye, it takes much less to add rich color to Alpaca fiber than any other natural fiber.
Surrounded by Alpaca fiber creations in our garage on a brisk fall morning, watching the frost slowly melt and drip from the corners of the barn roof, we’re reminded of the circle of life. This time of year is magical as we prepare for the inevitable cold. We gather the yarn, scarves, shawls, throws, gloves and socks to prepare to share in the bounty with others. It makes our hearts glad to know we are providing warmth and softness to others through our efforts and those of our beloved Alpacas.
Sierra Rose Alpacas carries only U.S. made Alpaca products. We have a wonderful selection of quality-made Alpaca creations from which you can choose. Visit us on our next Open Ranch Day, Sunday, December 2 from noon-4 p.m. and find the perfect warm and soft gift for someone you love.
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