Natural Comfort

Today, amongst growing concern about the environment and about the health implications of synthetic products, many people are trying to ensure they use more natural products. This change in how we think about what we buy has been led in many ways by a growing understanding of how what we eat and wear is produced. Organic food products are considered healthier, as they are not tainted by any chemicals, and are now sold in most supermarkets as well as specialist stores. It is becoming increasingly important that we reduce wastage as landfill space decreases in the UK, leading to more recyclable packaging and more efficient recycling schemes from councils. A number of celebrities have sought to improve the quality of the food we eat through television shows and raising awareness. The welfare of animals has featured heavily in these campaigns, and as a nation of animal lovers many of us have responded and choose food more carefully.

Most people are aware that a lot of modern clothing is made from synthetic materials, which are efficient in many ways. However, the growing trend in purchasing natural products is another indicator of increasing awareness about the origins of products we use in everyday life. Clothing has been important to mankind for many thousands of years, and until quite recently the majority of garments were made from completely natural products. Wool has been used for warmth in the UK for generations, but has a few disadvantages, not least that wool products can be itchy and spiky feeling against the skin. Some people are also allergic to lanolin, the greasy substance produced by animals such as sheep to waterproof their wool. Whereas sheep produce lanolin, animals such as the South American alpaca do not, meaning their wool is hypoallergenic and that alpaca wool products are suitable for use in baby clothes and for those with sensitive skin.

The wonderful texture and feel of alpaca wool products is becoming better known in the UK, as people searching for natural clothing discover the benefits of the material. The range of alpaca wool products that can be purchased is also on the increase. All parents want the best for their children, and baby clothing made from alpaca wool is an obvious choice. Socks, booties, bonnets, dresses and many other items will help keep baby snug, warm and comfortable. For adults there are a variety of alpaca wool products on the market. As well as the more predictable scarves, hats and gloves, there are ranges of elegant and fashionable cardigans and shrugs. Maybe even more surprisingly, bags made of alpaca wool, which are practical, unusual and pleasing to look at, are available.

If you are looking to find a more natural kind of clothing for yourself, your child or as a gift, but need it to be warm, tasteful and kind to the skin, then alpaca wool products are a great option. It is nice to be able to think of the natural origins of garments, and most retailers will be able to tell you about how the alpacas in question live and how the wool is used and crafted.

Since graduating in Art and Languages from Edinburgh University in 1991. It was during her last employment working for a small international trading company importing cashmere from Nepal where she developed her interest in luxury fabrics and traditional craftsmanship. We sell a range of alpaca wool products, including the ever popular alpaca scarf. Please visit our website at http://www.samanthaholmes.com