At The Little Wool Company our own 100% Alpaca yarns are processed from carefully selected fleeces from our herd or from reputable breeders or owners based in the Ruby Country.  They are then processed in the UK to our specifications. Our 4ply and double hand knitting yarns are processed at a Mill in Cornwall that uses the traditional worsted technique.  Our machine knitting and weaving yarns are processed in rural Oxfordshire at a Mill using the traditional woollen technique.  For interest some of the machines used go back to the Industrial Revolution and the techniques used are still used everyday all of these hundred years later.Our speciality yarns are processed from small mini mills throughout the UK.  We distribute our yarns via our online store here www.thelittlewoolcompany.com, by mail order and at specialist shows.

I also purchase fleeces in small quantities from alpaca and sheep breeder.  I am particularly interested in fibre that is complimentary to alpaca such as Blue Faced Leicester, Shetland, or Wensleydale.   Alpaca fleeces come in 22 natural colours however I also create our own unique colour ways by having the fibres blended at the mill without using dyes.  For this reason you need to make sure you order enough yarn to complete your projects.  Even though the yarns are all natural and usually from the same animals, each season there will be a slightly different effect depending on the weather, or diet of the animal. 

All of our woven products i.e. shawls, scarves and throws have been processed in the UK.  All of our hand knitted products have been hand crafted from artisans within the UK.  Many are made by myself but I also have my own team of hand knitters throughout the UK.

As well as our own yarns and goods we also stock Brittany Birch knitting needles which are made from Birch that has been farmed in  sustainable way.  We also stock goods from organisations using  Fair Trade principles.  These include natural fibre  knitting yarns from Artesano and Manos Del Uruguay.  I am now developing a hand made skin care range which follows the ethos of the alpaca yarns in that it aims to be hypoallergenic and high in antioxidants.  We also have a natural hand wash product to care for your products.

We stock yarns from other companies to offer our customers choice e.g. the brightly coloured yarns from Artesano, and Shilasdair allow you to create many varying projects all from the one store.

Why Alpaca?

Alpaca fleece is often referred to as "the fibre of the God's" and its origins can be traced back to the Inca's of Peru. It is said that alpacas were given to the people there as a gift from their Gods to keep them safe and well.  It is certainly true that alpacas have become an important part of their culture providing warmth, and food.  Alpaca fleece has many fantastic qualities for instance it contains no Lanolin.  Lanolin is the sustance found in Sheep's wool that people are often allergic to.  For this reason it can be classed as hypoallergenic which means it is ideal for anyone with allergies and sensitive skin.  Alpaca fibres are semi-hollow which means that it is very good at absorbing moisture which is ideal in the British ever changing climate.  

Alpaca yarn lends itself to fashionable garments because it drapes so well, particularly when mixed with Silk.   It is lightweight and has insulating qualities which make it warm in winter and cool in summer.  This means you can have the most fashionable garments in the coldest of winters without dressing up like a snowman.