Placid Blue 100% Baby Alpaca Fringe Stole/Shawl- Peru

100% Baby Alpaca Stole/Shawl/Scarf with Fringe, part of the exclusive limited "Simply Alpaca" Collection by native Peruvian designer Maria del Carmen. This fine garment is woven on traditional looms made from the finest wool of the Peruvian alpaca. The fleece is a lustrous and silky natural fiber similar to sheep's wool, but is much warmer and softer, while being light in weight. Can be worn as a wrap, scarf or Shawl. While being warm in cold weather, it can breathe and is comfortable for any season.

• Size:  78"L x 27"W
• Content:  Woven 100% Baby Alpaca
• Color:  Placid Blue
• Care:  Dry Clean or hand wash with mild soap/shampoo. Lay flat to dry, no twisting
• Handmade by Artisan Women from the Andes of Peru under Fair Trade Practices.

What is Alpaca:
An Alpaca is a member of the camelid family. Alpacas are small, gentle animals raised primarily for their soft, luxurious fiber. Alpacas are sheared, much like sheep, every year. Alpacas are much cooler and happier in warm weather once the fiber is removed. The fiber regrows by the time cool weather comes again.

Baby Alpaca (100%) is the most expensive of the alpaca fibers. It has a low micro count, i.e. 21-22.5 microns (under 25 is desirable). The lower microns are the finer fibers. It is incredibly soft on the skin and luscious to touch. It has a hollow core that gives it incredible all natural thermal properties. While being warm in cold weather, it can breathe and is comfortable for any season.

Baby alpaca blended with silk (i.e. 70% baby alpaca, 30% silk) increases the luster of the fiber and the softness of pure alpaca and becomes more expensive. While similar to sheep's wool, alpaca fiber contains no lanolin as sheep's wool which makes it hypoallergenic. [Lanolin holds dust and microscopic allergens that create allergies to wool.] It is no-itch fiber and is also warmer than wool. Alpaca has softness like no other natural fiber. Alpaca is a rare and luxurious fiber; it is extremely strong and resilient and will last for generations.

So imagine a hypoallergenic, natural fiber, with the touch of cashmere, and the strength of modern synthetics. Imagine it in dozens of natural and dyed shades. Then imagine wrapping yourself in this affordable luxury... every day.

Woven Art & Beyond supports preserving the creative traditions of old Peru by providing present day artisans with the opportunity to create and deliver the very best that modern Peru has to offer. By implementing the Fair Trade Guidelines, a professional working environment is maintained for all involved in the project.