New old source of alpaca products?

Last weekend we went camping and fishing. It was a nice relaxing trip out to Southwest Washington state (not too far from where we're moving out new farm and warehouse). It was also my birthday. Lots of time to sit and think about our fall line of products, features and new offerings.

On the way home Frieda and I drove past a Sweater Store out in what most city folk would call "the middle of nowhere". This time they were open so in we went. Had to see if they had any alpaca!

Anni, a kind and relaxed woman warmly greeted us at the door. Though one customer was leaving with many smiles, Anni was still not alone. With her in this old Masons building turned clothing factory with tall white ceilings, a single heat stove and antique furniture was a mix of companions. There was a beautiful and sweet 3-legged white cat with one warm light green eye and another striking blue eye, another cat who was too busy sleeping to greet us and a mess of big and little dogs who stayed in the back room, mostly.

The store was an amazing trip back into time. A time where American merchants made and sold locally to local clientele. It was filled with clothing made "upstairs", we were told. We looked about the room for an hour. Though alpaca was not currently used in any of the products, my filtering eye saw Alpaca Sweaters, Alpaca Scarves, Alpaca Hats, Alpaca Gloves and Alpaca Shawls. The styles were classic and very well made. The artistic buttons on the cardigans are made right there at the shop.

Anni described how the company, 30 years old and in this location for the past 17 caters to a local clientelle but also sells to past customers who could now live anywhere. They get in yarn by the tons and do all the work in that one building.

Frieda and I were amazed! We have been seeking the country for companies like this. Many think the American garment industry is gone. Not true. It's just taking a new, more personal form. Anni's store, with its excellent personal service and very reasonable prices is the new American garment industry. We were very happy to see it.

-Brian