18 Aug 2023
We are frequently asked about our decision to use alpaca instead of cashmere in our two Handwoven collections SIGNATURE and HERITAGE. There are multiple factors that lead to our decision to create our handwoven pieces in alpaca but the core factor is that we can source our alpaca fleeces here in the UK with complete traceability, right back to being able to name the alpaca who’s fleece we are using. The brand was established with sustainability at its core. This encompasses sourcing locally where possible to reduce our carbon footprint, to ensuring the animals who provide the fibre are well cared for and that the people who care for them are paid fairly. We can be 100% confident in this with our alpaca fibre whilst providing field to fabric traceability.
Scotland is well known for its thriving cashmere industry, but of course the raw cashmere fibre is mostly imported, often from China and Mongolia. Like wool, it is a natural fibre so absolutely is a sustainable fibre but not when compared to homegrown fibre.
Our alpaca pieces have been described as “ultra luxury,” with an exquisite appearance and an unbelievably soft touch. Similar to cashmere, alpaca is a natural fibre that exudes a sense of luxury. Not only does it possess exceptional softness, but it is also incredibly durable. Both alpaca and cashmere are hypoallergenic, as they contain no lanolin, and offer supreme softness. However, there are significant differences between the two.
Alpaca is a rarer and exclusive choice. There are approximately 5 million alpacas worldwide that are utilised for their fleeces, whereas there are around 700 million cashmere goats. Alpaca ranks second only to silk in terms of strength. It offers the same luxurious softness as cashmere, yet surpasses it in terms of durability and resilience, making our pieces true heritage treasures that will last a lifetime. Cashmere only comes in three natural colours whereas with alpaca, we have a choice of 22 so we have an extensive pallette without needing to use dye.
Alpaca possesses a unique texture that feels even softer when worn than it does to the touch. Much of its strength can be attributed to the longer length of its fibres compared to those of sheep and cashmere goats. Additionally, alpaca fibres are hollow, with an insulating core that quickly warms up and retains heat for longer periods. This natural insulation allows for effective temperature regulation through the air pockets in the fibres. Cashmere, on the other hand, lacks the same fibre structure and cannot provide the same level of warmth and performance. We are proud to source our alpaca sustainably from British farms, and we are now able to trace the individual alpacas from which our fleeces originate.
As the term “The Gold of the Andes” implies, the Incas held alpaca fibre in higher regard than even gold or silver. Without fail visitors to our beautiful Atelier comment on the unexpected softness and beautiful drape in our products, please do get in touch to book your own Private Appointment or browse our exclusive collections. Our SIGNATURE collection of one off alpaca pieces can be seen here and HERITAGE Handwoven here.
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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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