Alpaca Hat
November 19th 2007 03:22
My mum spins and knits the fleece from our alpacas. She doesn’t think she’s very good at spinning, but compared to the tangled, knotty bit of rope that I produced when I tried it, her work is pretty professional.
I don’t have enough patience, or interest, to get into handcrafts, so I just look after the animals, and mum can take care of the value adding.
Here are a few things mum has made:
Mum also makes beanies, jumpers, vests, crocheted handbags and doonas (quilts) stuffed with alpaca fleece. I have one on my bed and it is sooooooo toasty and warm. Doona’s filled with alpaca are thinner than feather/down-filled ones but just as warm. They're also much, much lighter. The filling doesn’t move about and the doona lays flat and smooth on the bed, not all lumpy like the feather ones.
Mum has a stall at some of the local craft markets. Her felted hats sell well as they’re unusual, every one is different and they’re well made.
A lot of time and effort goes into hand crafted items, but sadly, most people are only interested in a cheap price these days, even if it means the item won’t last long before it falls to bits. It's a very disposable society we live in.
Spinning alpaca keeps mum active though, and that's the main thing.
I don’t have enough patience, or interest, to get into handcrafts, so I just look after the animals, and mum can take care of the value adding.
Here are a few things mum has made:
Alpaca felt hat
Another alpaca felt hat
Lots of scarves
Mum also makes beanies, jumpers, vests, crocheted handbags and doonas (quilts) stuffed with alpaca fleece. I have one on my bed and it is sooooooo toasty and warm. Doona’s filled with alpaca are thinner than feather/down-filled ones but just as warm. They're also much, much lighter. The filling doesn’t move about and the doona lays flat and smooth on the bed, not all lumpy like the feather ones.
Mum has a stall at some of the local craft markets. Her felted hats sell well as they’re unusual, every one is different and they’re well made.
A lot of time and effort goes into hand crafted items, but sadly, most people are only interested in a cheap price these days, even if it means the item won’t last long before it falls to bits. It's a very disposable society we live in.
Spinning alpaca keeps mum active though, and that's the main thing.
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The pictures don't show how soft that wool is... I have an alpaca scarf and it is the softest thing you could ask for. A jumper would be divine, and well worth the price, I agree... these things would last you forever and be much more cosy than a $2 knock-off.
I look out for ladies like your mum at the markets everytime I go... say helloo for me, the country needs mum's like ours.
Lilla ...
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
Louie, I've heard of people putting hats on their alpacas, particularly at this time of year. They tend to be either fluffy red and white or ones with antlers for some reason.
Katyzzz, the pick hat does look like a cake. It was very cute in real life though - I don't know if mum has sold that one or not.
The pink hat would match your tulips Krystal. Not sure about the green one. That might be over doing it.
JoH, mum's cooking has come a long way in recent years. I remember well the rock hard lamb chop with watery cadaver grey brocoli and a chunk of stiff boiled choko.
Cheers.
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
You're right. Alpaca is wonderfully soft. You just want to jump into the fleece and snuggle up.
There's something a bit special about handmade things. They're unique and carefully made by someone who took the time to get it right. Much nicer than some rubbish thrown together in two seconds in a factory somewhere. Cheers.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Michaelie
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
I wouldn't like to have blankets or a feather doona anymore. Way too heavy (I know it sounds wierd calling feathers heavy, but they do feel weighty when you're underneath). The paca ones feel much lighter.
I'd love to be able to spin and knit, and sew etc, but I don't want to spend the time to learn and practice it all. There are too many other things to do.