Alpacas cute animals...are they the new wool?

Image - Creswick

Alpacas...aren't these creatures oh so cute? These beautiful animals produce a fleece that can keep us warm and toasty this very cold winter.  I have to say, Melbourne in the last few weeks has been particularly cold and grey, so what better way of keeping the cold out than to snuggle up with a lovely Australian made alpaca throw and a good book.  I have several throws and one of them is manufactured by Creswick Woollen Mills...here

Images -  Creswick

Creswick Woollen Mills have been producing natural fibre products designed in Australia to suit Australian conditions since they were founded in 1947 by Polish migrant, Paul Ryzowy.  Involved in the business today, are his grandson and granddaughter; this has been and still is certainly a family affair.  The home of Creswick Woollen Mills is located in Creswick, a small township approximately 120km from Melbourne, north-east of Ballarat.  Despite the rationalisation of the textile industry in recent times, the privately owned company, I am informed, remains buoyant.  At the mills, products manufactured include alpaca throws, blankets and accessories.  Alpaca fleece is known as 'the fibre of the gods' and offers superior, natural softness and a high level of comfortable warmth.  Compared to wool, alpaca is naturally lighter due to semi-hollow fibres.  Alpaca fibre has unique thermal properties that release heat in warm conditions and trap heat when the weather is cool...a perfect seasonal insulator and a beautiful gift for someone special.  See their website for their stores....here

Another alpaca throw I have is from Candalaraine Alpacas...this is a beautiful throw and like my other throw, this is entirely Australian made and produced locally...here The owner's story is an interesting one..Lorraine and Alan Barnett conceived the idea of Candalaraine Alpacas in 1998 as a direct response to an interview of Kevin Hitchcock, a former Sydney news director.  Kevin had recently become a paraplegic and now farms alpacas.  In due course, Lorraine and Alan purchased one breeding female and one companion male.  They are now deeply committed to breeding fine white alpacas, outsourcing genetics in Australia and more recently, Peru

I am told Candalaraine Alpacas has been rewarded with some of the highest accolades in the show ring, despite being a small farming concern.  In recognition of the unique qualities of this fibre, they were inspired to apply their knowledge of textiles and design to produce a collection that best represents this luxurious product. The Alpaca Products shop was opened in 2003 to display this collection.  They also have a unique 'made to measure' service, which is to be found online...here their garments are durable whilst being lightweight, soft in texture and with that rare silkiness that promotes an elegant drape...here

What is the Baby Alpaca Called? The baby alpaca is called a Cria, a female is called a Hembre, a male a Macho and a twelve month old Alpaca is called a Tui.

Images - Candalaraine

Lorraine and Alan now share their property, located on the outskirts of Neerim South, Victoria, Australia with approximately 30 female alpacas.  Together they enjoy the most magnificent panoramic views of the area and visitors are most welcome, see their website for directions and the address.  I would be interested to hear from anyone who has purchased an alpaca product and what they think...are they all you thought they would be or more?

Image - Candalaraine

Warm wishes...Wendy xx

Creswick Woollen Mills...here

Candalaraine Alpacas...here