Sunday, November 25, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Socks to Afghanistan
Last year a friend of ours put out a call for help, sending warm alpaca socks to soldiers. Amazing that this might appear, the ARMY's socks are lousy in cold weather. Those of us who know and love alpaca fiber know what a great sock you get when adding a good percentage of our favorite fiber to the mix.
Last year hundreds of socks were donated from alpaca farmers, alpaca retails, the American Co-Op organization and regular folk everywhere. This year the program has the goals of sending thousands to troops in Afghanistan.
Being 45 I can now say that these "kids", some 18, many under 21, are out there, risking their lives thousands of miles away from home in harsh cold weather. The Socks Brigade program not only provides soft, cozy and warm socks for the feet, it warms the soldier's heart to know there is someone back home thinking about them and their difficult task.
This not about politics, it's about our young people risking life and limb and those of us who care having a small way of telling them so. Please feel encouraged to join us.
Through February (or until we run out), PurelyAlpaca is donating a pair of the USA made Extreme socks for every order we receive in which you buy a pair for yourself.
Click the link in the title to see more about this simple and heartfelt program.
-Brian
PurelyAlpaca
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Online survey and $100 shopping spree
We need answers!
The opinions and ideas of our shoppers is extremely important to us. Each year we conduct product and user experience surveys to learn more about how to please our customers.
This year we are offering a $100 Shopping Spree to one lucky respondent in November and another in December(2007). There is no cost, we just ask for your candid honest opinions. We use that information to improve our service.
There is an additional incentive to respondents who complete the survey.
Click Here to take PurelyAlpaca survey
Regards,
-Brian
Customer Service
PurelyAlpaca.com
The opinions and ideas of our shoppers is extremely important to us. Each year we conduct product and user experience surveys to learn more about how to please our customers.
This year we are offering a $100 Shopping Spree to one lucky respondent in November and another in December(2007). There is no cost, we just ask for your candid honest opinions. We use that information to improve our service.
There is an additional incentive to respondents who complete the survey.
Click Here to take PurelyAlpaca survey
Regards,
-Brian
Customer Service
PurelyAlpaca.com
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Wear the Eco-Friendly Label
Wear the Eco-Friendly Label
We all care about the environment to some extent. Each of us has our own ways of showing it, but most of us would like show that we care to ourselves if not also others. There are different ways of demonstrating your eco-friendliness. Maybe you separate your recycling or purchase eco-friendly groceries with non-polluting packaging. Perhaps you help your employer with their Adopt-a-Highway efforts every year, or have your own stretch of clean highway? Maybe you donate to the Audubon Society or other groups and enjoy the membership.
However you otherwise choose to give back, consider becoming a more eco-friendly clothing shopper. Not only can you help the Earth with your eco-friendly shopping, you can help yourself to become a healthier person.
What is Eco-Friendly Shopping?
Eco-friendly shopping doesn't mean that you have to stop buying meat, or live an austere life in order to save the planet. In most cases, it doesn't involve anything more than a slight shift in shopping habits, and in turn you help your family to live a healthier lifestyle.
Eco-Friendly Clothing
One way of becoming a more eco-aware shopper is to buy eco-aware clothing. Consider the many benefits of alpaca. Alpaca fiber is an awesome eco-friendly material that everyday people use and love, perhaps without completely realizing the scope of its personal and environmental healthy difference. Alpaca sweaters, alpaca scarves, and alpaca wool socks keep people warm in winter throughout the world. Luxurious alpaca blankets adorn many a bed and living room couch. Alpaca coats and wraps give one the look of fashionable comfort. They are beautiful quality products from one of the most earth-friendly animals out there.
Why the Alpaca?
What makes the alpaca so Earth friendly? The alpaca is a natural when it comes to conservation, pollution reduction and sustainability. First and foremost, the alpaca produces a pollution free fiber which they will gladly share with you as they are shorn (without harm) annually.
Alpacas, which have been determined to be the world’s oldest domestic livestock, are happy to give up their thick annual growth of dense, warm and luxuriously soft fiber as spring turns into summer. Picture how uncomfortable you would be wearing the equivalent of 3-4 heavy winter coats in mid summer! The newly naked alpaca will be bounding with springtime joy and energy after their thick fleece has been claimed for a new alpaca sweater, scarf or socks.
Alpacas are South American in origin and are very distant relatives to camels. You’ll notice this when you see their unusual running style, their “cush” sitting position, and more. It’s also evident in the lower amount of water they consume. The 160 lb average alpaca eats less per pound and their efficient 3-stomach digestive system metabolizes grass and hay more efficiently than nearly all other livestock.
Alpacas actually “cut” the grass with their unusual front incisor teeth rather than chewing it, and the roots, out of the ground like some other livestock.
Their lightweight, soft two toed foot (no hoof) is soft on the ground which reduces soil damage. Also, the other alpaca byproduct, “PacaPOO” is pH balanced and an excellent, natural, slow-release low-odor fertilizer.
The conservation continues even more so after the fiber is shorn from the alpaca. Unlike sheep wool which contains the allergen oil lanolin, alpacas are lanolin free. Lanolin is a type of thick oil which causes skin irritation in many people. It requires a harsh multi-stage detergent wash (read pollution) to remove it during processing. Not only do alpacas lack lanolin naturally, the fine and smooth nature of their resilient hollow-core fiber keeps prickly barbs from poking your skin.
Alpaca fiber comes in a whole array of colors naturally, and many alpaca products are available in natural colors. Alpaca also dyes very well and takes color nicely from plant and other natural dyes so you don't have to worry about artificial dyes irritating delicate skin or causing more pollution.
Finally, one other key factor to consider is economic as well as environmental sustainability. Tens of thousands of alpacas are raised by thousands of small family farms and ranches throughout the country. Your alpaca apparel purchases support those family farms, the products industry they serve as they raise some of the cutest, most colorful livestock you will ever see.
With all this going for them you could say, “Alpacas are Saving the Earth, One Sweater at a Time!”
Get your Save the Earth, Wear ALPACA t-shirt:
http://purelyalpaca.com/product_info.php?products_id=642
By Brian Schieber
Brian Schieber is the owner of PurelyAlpaca.com, an online and catalog boutique of “Naturally Unique Clothing and Gifts” which are all about alpaca. He is a tireless alpaca products advocate who lectures on occasion. He lives with his wife, house cat, barn cat, livestock guard dog and numerous alpacas in the Pacific Northwest.
We all care about the environment to some extent. Each of us has our own ways of showing it, but most of us would like show that we care to ourselves if not also others. There are different ways of demonstrating your eco-friendliness. Maybe you separate your recycling or purchase eco-friendly groceries with non-polluting packaging. Perhaps you help your employer with their Adopt-a-Highway efforts every year, or have your own stretch of clean highway? Maybe you donate to the Audubon Society or other groups and enjoy the membership.
However you otherwise choose to give back, consider becoming a more eco-friendly clothing shopper. Not only can you help the Earth with your eco-friendly shopping, you can help yourself to become a healthier person.
What is Eco-Friendly Shopping?
Eco-friendly shopping doesn't mean that you have to stop buying meat, or live an austere life in order to save the planet. In most cases, it doesn't involve anything more than a slight shift in shopping habits, and in turn you help your family to live a healthier lifestyle.
Eco-Friendly Clothing
One way of becoming a more eco-aware shopper is to buy eco-aware clothing. Consider the many benefits of alpaca. Alpaca fiber is an awesome eco-friendly material that everyday people use and love, perhaps without completely realizing the scope of its personal and environmental healthy difference. Alpaca sweaters, alpaca scarves, and alpaca wool socks keep people warm in winter throughout the world. Luxurious alpaca blankets adorn many a bed and living room couch. Alpaca coats and wraps give one the look of fashionable comfort. They are beautiful quality products from one of the most earth-friendly animals out there.
Why the Alpaca?
What makes the alpaca so Earth friendly? The alpaca is a natural when it comes to conservation, pollution reduction and sustainability. First and foremost, the alpaca produces a pollution free fiber which they will gladly share with you as they are shorn (without harm) annually.
Alpacas, which have been determined to be the world’s oldest domestic livestock, are happy to give up their thick annual growth of dense, warm and luxuriously soft fiber as spring turns into summer. Picture how uncomfortable you would be wearing the equivalent of 3-4 heavy winter coats in mid summer! The newly naked alpaca will be bounding with springtime joy and energy after their thick fleece has been claimed for a new alpaca sweater, scarf or socks.
Alpacas are South American in origin and are very distant relatives to camels. You’ll notice this when you see their unusual running style, their “cush” sitting position, and more. It’s also evident in the lower amount of water they consume. The 160 lb average alpaca eats less per pound and their efficient 3-stomach digestive system metabolizes grass and hay more efficiently than nearly all other livestock.
Alpacas actually “cut” the grass with their unusual front incisor teeth rather than chewing it, and the roots, out of the ground like some other livestock.
Their lightweight, soft two toed foot (no hoof) is soft on the ground which reduces soil damage. Also, the other alpaca byproduct, “PacaPOO” is pH balanced and an excellent, natural, slow-release low-odor fertilizer.
The conservation continues even more so after the fiber is shorn from the alpaca. Unlike sheep wool which contains the allergen oil lanolin, alpacas are lanolin free. Lanolin is a type of thick oil which causes skin irritation in many people. It requires a harsh multi-stage detergent wash (read pollution) to remove it during processing. Not only do alpacas lack lanolin naturally, the fine and smooth nature of their resilient hollow-core fiber keeps prickly barbs from poking your skin.
Alpaca fiber comes in a whole array of colors naturally, and many alpaca products are available in natural colors. Alpaca also dyes very well and takes color nicely from plant and other natural dyes so you don't have to worry about artificial dyes irritating delicate skin or causing more pollution.
Finally, one other key factor to consider is economic as well as environmental sustainability. Tens of thousands of alpacas are raised by thousands of small family farms and ranches throughout the country. Your alpaca apparel purchases support those family farms, the products industry they serve as they raise some of the cutest, most colorful livestock you will ever see.
With all this going for them you could say, “Alpacas are Saving the Earth, One Sweater at a Time!”
Get your Save the Earth, Wear ALPACA t-shirt:
http://purelyalpaca.com/product_info.php?products_id=642
By Brian Schieber
Brian Schieber is the owner of PurelyAlpaca.com, an online and catalog boutique of “Naturally Unique Clothing and Gifts” which are all about alpaca. He is a tireless alpaca products advocate who lectures on occasion. He lives with his wife, house cat, barn cat, livestock guard dog and numerous alpacas in the Pacific Northwest.
Update on Research Rugs, a Magic Carpet?
The Alpaca Research Rug is proving to be a sort of a Magic Carpet. As word spreads of the research rug program, more and more ideas are coming up for this unique alpaca fiber creation.
One recent idea has been to promote the rug and the program at alpaca auctions. Before the auction begins, the first item to go "on the block" would be an alpaca research rug. The auctioneer would describe how the rug is created from what was formerly called "trash" fiber (aka "3rds") to make the beautiful and strong item.
There would also be discussion of how many alpaca farms have generously donated their fiber for the project. At present the manufacturing mill has plenty of donated fiber from generous alpaca farmers and does not need more donations. If you would like to be notified of when there is again a need for alpaca 3rds donations, sign up for the PurelyAlpaca Newsletter (http://purelyalpaca.com/PurelyAlpacaNewsletter.htm). We will send out Research Rug updates via the newsletter.
Proceeds from rug sales on PurelyAlpaca.com benefits alpaca research and the training of new veterinarians.
Also, the rug is an excellent conversation piece for the home or office. It's strength, comfort and durability speaks volumes about the fiber from which it came. It's beauty shows how even the "throw away" fiber from alpacas has great value. And it confirms that ALL alpaca fiber has use and value.
Some are purchasing it as alpaca gift items in ways never anticipated. Though sold as a floor rug, many are using this lighter weight fiber creation as a wall hanging.
Some are putting it under their desk at work for a warm, comfortable home for their feet. Others use it as a soft pad in their job where they stand all day.
One enterprising individual took the small 2x3 rug to a sporting event. They say it is better then those plastic foam pads, is naturally warm and has led to many conversations with others about the many benefits of alpacas!
With all this going for it, perhaps the Alpaca Research Rug really is a Magic Carpet!
See the Research Rug at PurelyAlpaca.com .
-Brian
One recent idea has been to promote the rug and the program at alpaca auctions. Before the auction begins, the first item to go "on the block" would be an alpaca research rug. The auctioneer would describe how the rug is created from what was formerly called "trash" fiber (aka "3rds") to make the beautiful and strong item.
There would also be discussion of how many alpaca farms have generously donated their fiber for the project. At present the manufacturing mill has plenty of donated fiber from generous alpaca farmers and does not need more donations. If you would like to be notified of when there is again a need for alpaca 3rds donations, sign up for the PurelyAlpaca Newsletter (http://purelyalpaca.com/PurelyAlpacaNewsletter.htm). We will send out Research Rug updates via the newsletter.
Proceeds from rug sales on PurelyAlpaca.com benefits alpaca research and the training of new veterinarians.
Also, the rug is an excellent conversation piece for the home or office. It's strength, comfort and durability speaks volumes about the fiber from which it came. It's beauty shows how even the "throw away" fiber from alpacas has great value. And it confirms that ALL alpaca fiber has use and value.
Some are purchasing it as alpaca gift items in ways never anticipated. Though sold as a floor rug, many are using this lighter weight fiber creation as a wall hanging.
Some are putting it under their desk at work for a warm, comfortable home for their feet. Others use it as a soft pad in their job where they stand all day.
One enterprising individual took the small 2x3 rug to a sporting event. They say it is better then those plastic foam pads, is naturally warm and has led to many conversations with others about the many benefits of alpacas!
With all this going for it, perhaps the Alpaca Research Rug really is a Magic Carpet!
See the Research Rug at PurelyAlpaca.com .
-Brian
Friday, October 05, 2007
New products roll in and $100 alpaca shopping spree
I'm excited by the new products that are coming in for the fall! We should have the nicest selection of wearable alpaca that we have had since starting in 2002. This year there are new alpaca sweaters, stylish and flattering alpaca scarves and shawls, new designer yarn and much more. We'll have brand new high-tech alpaca socks too!
Get a sneak preview on or new fall line plus special limited offers, discounts and perhaps a $100 shopping spree by joining the
Alpaca Products Fan Club. The Alpaca Products Fan Club is dedicated to promoting alpacas by promoting the luxurious products made from their fiber!
See what's new now or anytime you visit PurelyAlpaca.com by clicking the New Items link.
-Brian
Monday, October 01, 2007
Alpaca Coffee?!
Ok, sometimes having a store is just fun! It let's me come up with new clothing designs, new socks, chocolates, new jewelry and now..... Alpaca Coffee!! Why not, two of my favorite loves combined! :)
Seattle Gourmet Coffee roasted and bagged two blends of fine coffee for us. The labels are for Mountain Roast Huacaya and Dark Suri blends.
The Suri blend is just too much fun! The Romanian cartoonist that worked up the image is a real talent.
The coffee is good too!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
How was your National Alpaca Farm Day?
National Alpaca Farm Day is coming this weekend! We're very curious about how it will go both for our own farm and nationally.
It's been a pretty positive development in the national alpaca community as far as I can see, though I'm sure someone somewhere will fine reasons to not like it :(
How was YOUR National Alpaca Farm Day event? If you used products (ours and/or others) did they help you promote the animals? We've often found the products are a GREAT conversation piece as they show directly "what alpacas do for a living". It's also a positive way to earn some farm income.
Feel free to post your comments on your experiences with National Alpaca Farm Day. Pictures would be GREAT if you have em! Post as comments here, email me or join the new
-Brian
It's been a pretty positive development in the national alpaca community as far as I can see, though I'm sure someone somewhere will fine reasons to not like it :(
How was YOUR National Alpaca Farm Day event? If you used products (ours and/or others) did they help you promote the animals? We've often found the products are a GREAT conversation piece as they show directly "what alpacas do for a living". It's also a positive way to earn some farm income.
Feel free to post your comments on your experiences with National Alpaca Farm Day. Pictures would be GREAT if you have em! Post as comments here, email me or join the new
 |
| Alpaca Products Fan Club |
| Alpaca Products Fan Club! |
-Brian
Monday, September 24, 2007
An alpaca fan club?
This past weekend we held an event on our farm (yes, we of course raise alpacas too!). The topics of discussion among breeders frequently focused on the promotion of alpaca clothing. We all agreed on the superior qualities of alpaca fiber to other fibers. We all wear and love alpaca clothing.
Yet we all acknowledged that alpaca is not as promoted as fibers such as cashmere or merino. So last night all this "gelled" into the idea of an "Alpaca Fan Club". The club would be for fans of alpaca clothing with the goal of promoting alpaca as a clothing alternative to the world.
Most people who try alpaca for the first time are amazed at the comfortable warmth, softness and general feeling elegance it brings. People who try our Extreme Alpaca Socks are often just plain EXCITED at the difference alpaca brings. These "converts" are perfect to help spread the word about this amazing fiber.
So we haven't worked out the details yet but you should expect that PurelyAlpaca.com will launch an alpaca fan club community in the near future. We're thinking of sponsoring the group with free membership perks, promotional material and of course free gifts to our most prolific alpaca enthusiasts :)
Stay tuned... better yet, share your ideas as to what you think might make for a fun promotional alpaca fan club!
-Brian
Yet we all acknowledged that alpaca is not as promoted as fibers such as cashmere or merino. So last night all this "gelled" into the idea of an "Alpaca Fan Club". The club would be for fans of alpaca clothing with the goal of promoting alpaca as a clothing alternative to the world.
Most people who try alpaca for the first time are amazed at the comfortable warmth, softness and general feeling elegance it brings. People who try our Extreme Alpaca Socks are often just plain EXCITED at the difference alpaca brings. These "converts" are perfect to help spread the word about this amazing fiber.
So we haven't worked out the details yet but you should expect that PurelyAlpaca.com will launch an alpaca fan club community in the near future. We're thinking of sponsoring the group with free membership perks, promotional material and of course free gifts to our most prolific alpaca enthusiasts :)
Stay tuned... better yet, share your ideas as to what you think might make for a fun promotional alpaca fan club!
-Brian
Monday, September 17, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Alpaca Research Rug a Magic Carpet?
http://purelyalpaca.com/images/researchRug_loom.jpg
We're pretty excited at the response the Research Rug program has had in the alpaca world!
Started as a colmination of ideas wanting to support a local alpaca veterinarian college and promote alpaca fiber, the Research Rug is now a nationally known endevour which continues to grow.
There are currently about 1000 pounds of alpaca fiber at a small mill in Texas. This fiber will be turned into beautiful floor rugs or wall tapestries. We couldn't be happier!
At present we have lots of fiber. The mill is full-up. We would encourage you to consider purchasing a rug for your home, farm store or public event. They come with a great story so make an excellent conversation piece!
We're pretty excited at the response the Research Rug program has had in the alpaca world!
Started as a colmination of ideas wanting to support a local alpaca veterinarian college and promote alpaca fiber, the Research Rug is now a nationally known endevour which continues to grow.
There are currently about 1000 pounds of alpaca fiber at a small mill in Texas. This fiber will be turned into beautiful floor rugs or wall tapestries. We couldn't be happier!
At present we have lots of fiber. The mill is full-up. We would encourage you to consider purchasing a rug for your home, farm store or public event. They come with a great story so make an excellent conversation piece!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Knitting Knurses help warm patients hearts and bodies
Our latest article is about the Knitting Knurses of Friday Harbor, WA. This group of caring nurses began a heartfelt campaign to knit warm scarves for patients at their hospital.
The warmth they bring to people with health issues is of course in the heart as much as on the body. Read more at the articles link.
The warmth they bring to people with health issues is of course in the heart as much as on the body. Read more at the articles link.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Alpaca Socks for the Troops
PurelyAlpaca is very happy to be involved in the Socks for the Troops campaign started by the Wings and A Prayer alpaca farm in Oregon.
So far the program has resulted in donations of hundreds of warm alpaca socks for our troops serving over seas.
http://purelyalpaca.com/SocksBrigade.html
-Brian
So far the program has resulted in donations of hundreds of warm alpaca socks for our troops serving over seas.
http://purelyalpaca.com/SocksBrigade.html
-Brian
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
2006 WOW!
2006 was a great year!
Many thanks to all our customers and an extra heartfelt thanks for the wonderful testimonials we received from some of you. We're a business yes, but we love alpacas and strive to promote the animals to all who will listen.
Receiving comments like the following warm our hearts and surely have to help getting the word out about alpacas and alpaca products:
Many thanks to all our customers and an extra heartfelt thanks for the wonderful testimonials we received from some of you. We're a business yes, but we love alpacas and strive to promote the animals to all who will listen.
Receiving comments like the following warm our hearts and surely have to help getting the word out about alpacas and alpaca products:
- Thanks for keeping in touch...I'm VERY impressed with your Customer Service! - Jodie B.
- Brian, Thank you very much. I appreciate the service and response you have offered. If only other websites were as kind and helpful as you. Cheers. Leslie M, London, U.K., 1/16/2007
- I emailed my order in on a Tuesday, you mailed it on Wednesday and I received it on Friday!! All before Christmas! Everything is very nice and I appreciate your prompt service. The package was delivered the same day that my three alpacas arrived at my barn! Great timing! Thanks! Debbi M, Weaver, AL 12/21/2006
- Good day, Brian. Just wanted to let you know that my package arrived just now! The glittens look great - I can't wait for my daughter to unwrap them. Thanks also for the extra gifts you tucked in with the package - all your help is much appreciated. Merry Christmas to you and everybody there with you. Sincerely, Stephanie S, Papillion NE, 12/24/2006
Many more at http://purelyalpaca.com/customer_testimonials.php
Warm regards and all the best in 2007!
-Brian
PurelyAlpaca - Naturally Unique Clothing and Gifts
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