23 Jun 2022
A year ago, we set about to lead the field in transparency within textiles. With a mission to showcase the incredible dedication and care that is required, behind the scenes, to make our pieces, we introduced you to Araminta the alpaca.
Beginning our journey at birth, we met Araminta as a baby cria (alpaca) and began documenting her life up until her first shearing, bringing a transparency to textiles that has never been seen before. Born in April 2021, last month was shearing day for Araminta and the rest of the heard at Mullacott Alpacas, in the heart of Devon.
Shearing takes place not only to utilise the fleece and use the natural fibre, but more importantly for the welfare of the animal. Alpaca should be sheared annually for the safety and welfare of the animal, if they are not, the fleece will continue to grow for several years causing distress. Taking place before temperatures rise too high, good weather is key for shearing day and the alpaca will only be shorn if the weather has been dry due to the impact on fleeces and alpaca.
The quality of alpaca fleece is measured in microns – the lower the micron count, the finer the quality. Before shearing day, Kate has already had her herds fleece assessed, the micron count confirmed, and fleeces allocated to people. This helps ensure that on-the-day the fleeces are kept apart and easily identifiable. Using only the finest quality British fleece for our SIGNATURE collection. Moreover, as we individually spin each fleece, it is key that we know in advance of shearing day which fleeces will be used in our collection so these can individually be set aside for us.
On the day, each herd is moved into the barn together before shearing – alpaca are herd animals and do not like to be separated. With years of experience, and tens of thousands of shears under his belt, it takes Mullacott’s shearer around 3 minutes to skilfully shear each animal. Lying on their side, the main fleece is removed in one section before the alpaca is released to the herd.
You may notice that the head and tail of the alpaca are left unshorn, this is because the alpaca recognise one another by scent and smelling the head and tail fleece to identify their friends!
One shorn, the fleece undergoes ‘carding’ which is technique to remove any loose debris alongside removal of any lower quality fleece. Any lower quality fleece that is removed, is bagged up used by local craftspeople, schools, and volunteers. No fleece is wasted and the ‘seconds’ for every animal will go on to be utilised and enjoyed.
Once the fleece has been carded, it is named, bagged, and grouped before it begins its journey in the spinning mills.
Araminta fleece is an exquisite colour and a quality that we are thrilled to confirm will be used to make a piece in our SIGNATURE collection. Whilst the first year of Araminta’s life might now be complete, our journey following her, and her fleece, is continuing.
We are delighted to be moving to the second year of this story, showcasing not only more of Araminta, but also the story of the spinning team alongside that of our handweavers.
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We are guardians of people’s stories...
We ourselves are stories that weave and take shape through the thread, thanks to the gentle hands of the weavers.
The yarn, the loom, our and your stories, are the tools we have chosen to make what cannot be seen or touched, real and wearable. We give shape to the values in which we believe, we give voice to stories to be shared with those dearest to us, forever.
Not just exquisite works of art to wear, but ambassadors, ‘talking’ objects, timeless storytellers of meanings and values that we want to preserve and pass on.
Meet Isabelle, one of our talented handweavers!
Isabelle has long had an interest in textiles, ever since her grandmother taught her to sew.
She discovered weaving when visiting universities before applying to study. Immediately captivated by the woven textile displays at Loughborough University – the home of our George Wood looms – She became fascinated by how these complex woven structures could be created from just a few cones of yarn.
Isabelle enjoys the slow, hands-on process of weaving, appreciating how it demands your full and present focus, and is always excited to share the complexities of handweaving to our visitors.
Meet Helen, one of our talented handweavers!
As an advocate for sustainability and ethical production, handweaving appealed to Helen as the embodiment of slow, responsible craft.
She fell in love with the challenging yet meditative weave process during her textile degree at the Glasgow School of Art.
Helen adores that she can name the alpacas in the pieces that she weaves, as this level of provenance imbues the pieces with deeper meaning for both weaver and future owner.
We choose 100% undyed British alpaca fiber for our designs because it embodies the values we hold dear: sustainability, durability, and unparalleled luxury. Each fleece is sourced from carefully chosen UK farms where animal welfare is a top priority.
Our close relationships with breeders enable us to trace many of our yarns back to the individual alpacas, ensuring exceptional quality and transparency. The alpaca’s fleeces are left undyed, allowing the natural richness and unique tones of their coats to shine through in every piece.
In the UK, only 5–10% of alpacas produce fleece of the exceptional quality we require. Every fiber is meticulously selected for its fineness, crimp, luster, and colour, ensuring our pieces meet the highest standards of luxury and craftsmanship.
It has taken years for our weavers to attain the skill and knowledge required to create our handwoven items.
Handweaving takes precision and patience, with each warp prepared by hand and meticulously threaded through the shafts of the loom. Once weaving is complete there is a lengthy finishing process involving darning, stitching, washing and brushing – all by hand.
It can take our handweavers anywhere between 2 to 6 weeks to complete one of our Signature pieces.
Each piece in our Heritage handwoven collection has been inspired by Araminta’s deep love for the natural beauty of the Scottish landscape.
From the golden glow of the beech woodlands surrounding her family home in the Royal Deeside Corridor during autumn, to the ethereal light of the Scottish Highlands at dawn and dusk, the landscape is a constant source of inspiration for Araminta. The shifting interplay of colours, textures, and natural rhythms informs each handwoven piece, translating fleeting moments into timeless design.
Any moment in time could become Araminta’s next creation.
Meet Lisa, one of our talented handweavers!
Lisa studied weaving at Heriot Watt University, in the borders of Scotland – an area renowned for its textile production.
She always enjoyed creating things and was recommended to study textiles by her art teacher. When first starting out in her weave degree, she found the slow process of setting up challenging, yet today it’s her favourite part.
She finds peace whilst threading the loom, enjoying and embracing the flow.
Each piece has been lovingly handwoven and finished in our Edinburgh Atelier by our team of handweavers on vintage George Wood looms.
Araminta Campbell is one of the largest employers of handweavers in Scotland, fostering employment for talented craftspeople in Scotland plays a vital role in preserving the rich legacy of Scottish textile craftsmanship. Every thread woven in the Atelier carries with it the heritage and passion of centuries-old traditions, brought vividly to life through contemporary designs, and the work of our talented weavers.
It has taken years for our weavers to attain the skill and knowledge required to create our handwoven items.
Handweaving takes precision and patience, with each warp prepared by hand and meticulously threaded through the shafts of the loom. Once weaving is complete there is a lengthy finishing process involving darning, stitching, washing and brushing – all by hand.
When you choose one of our handwoven treasures, you’re not just owning a piece of Scotland’s rich textile heritage – you’re connecting with the hands that brought it to life.
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