When Maple of northstaralpacas sends out her Etsy packages, there’s a little treat included in addition to the luscious handspun yarn and cozy handknit hats. The unexpected surprise that awaits each customer? A photograph of the specific alpaca from which the item originated. The handmade movement has always been about the person behind the product, but northstaraplacas and other fiber artists on Etsy are taking this one step further: crediting the animal behind the product, too.
Maple appreciates the gift these animals provide her, and in exchange, nurtures them, above and beyond commercial responsibilities. On her blog, Alpaca Granny, Maple tells the story of one baby alpaca (cria), named Spot for the light patch on the top of his head, who was having trouble nursing from his mother, Ariana. Maple saved this little guy by bottle-feeding for his first few weeks.
Just this week, Maple posted a triumphant update about Spot’s progress: “He will have absolutely nothing to do with his bottle and is a little aloof to me now. I’m so amazed that after 3 weeks he is figuring out the instincts that he should have had at birth. And thank you, Ariana, for being so patient with him.”
It’s inspiring to see this symbiotic relationship succeed. I hope Spot will reciprocate the love!
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30 comments
Sign in to add your owndragonhouseofyuen says:
How lovely! It's wonderful to read about the individual sheep, alpacas and llamas whose wool is for sale! My rabbit bags have been inspired by my rescue rabbit and I feel it is important to tell her story because without her I would have no bag! Those alpacas are just so cuddly (looking!).
3 years ago
thefunkyfelter says:
Yay! I love to see Maple being featured in an article! She is such a sweet lady who is so wise and knowledgeable when it comes to fiber arts. Congratulations NorthStarAlpacas!!!!
3 years ago
Vanessa says:
We wish you the best, Maple!
3 years ago
MVKnits says:
Maple, this is awesome!
3 years ago
dogties says:
How cute! And useful too.
3 years ago
sweetestpea says:
Maple is amazing. I know nothing about yarn or knitting, but about a year and a half ago she helped me get the perfect alpaca yarn for my sister's Christmas gift. It was a huge hit. I will never forget her kindness and the special treat of seeing the alpaca photos with the yarn. Wishing you and your alpacas all the best!
3 years ago
kerrihale says:
One of my first Etsy purchases was a hat from this shop! I was very touched by not only the quality of the product but also by the awesome customer care and personability involved! And I loved getting the photo (and card) of the Alpaca whose hair (fur?) was used for my hat!! A+ all around from a previous customer :)
3 years ago
intertwingle says:
What a fabulous story. I just love being a part of such a fabulous community. Great work, makes me want to buy something just so I can get a photo to pi up on my studio wall.
3 years ago
zwzzy says:
i love alpacas! they're so adorable!
3 years ago
MoonMystic says:
Wow! Great article. Love those alpacas!
3 years ago
cherylavenue says:
Maple is amazing. Just look at those alpacas:)
3 years ago
sandcookies says:
A very sweet story - and I love the last picture of the Alpaca:) those legs look almost like a pair of human legs with fuzzy leg warmers:)
3 years ago
SkyBox says:
I want to come live on the alpaca farm! Those are too cute. And they don't spit as much as llamas.
3 years ago
amysfunkyfibers says:
What a great story!
3 years ago
MelangeByLisette says:
What a sweet article. There is hope in the world for man and animal kind when we let our hearts open to others, man or beast. Thank you Maple!
3 years ago
eclipse says:
Those baby alpacas might be the cutest animals in the world! It's wonderful to see the animals that provide the luscious fibers are so well-treated and loved.
3 years ago
TickledPinkKnits says:
what a wonderful glimpse into the life of the person behind a very special etsy shop :)
3 years ago
reanee says:
I am delighted to see this article on you!!!!!!!! Yippee, it is just wonderful. I can attest that this wool, is sumptious........
3 years ago
Florcita says:
wonderful, beautiful wool!
3 years ago
RoseThistleArtworks says:
Wonderful article about truly kind Maple and her gorgeous alpacas! Maple was the first to welcome me to the etsy community. And I will never get over how luxurious her alpaca fiber is!! It's so soft my fingers can't comprehend it. I love the pictures I rec'd with my fiber order. Maple is truly one of the best!
3 years ago
knittydirtygirl says:
lovely!
3 years ago
WhorlingTides says:
Congrats on the great write up! I always love to see your work.
3 years ago
northstaralpacas says:
Thank you, Vanessa and Etsy, for this article. And thanks, friends, for the kind comments. BTW - the picture of Spot running is when I called him for his noon bottle. He doesn't do this anymore which I miss, but am glad because Ariana (mom) is caring for him very well. I wish all of you could stop in the barn for a visit.
3 years ago
lololyta says:
Oh! I love to receive the little picture cards she sent with each order... it is a special touch with a special fiber. Great article!
3 years ago
karenmary says:
I wish I could stop in the barn, Maple. What a cool business you have.
3 years ago
Ebrown2503 says:
We know about each dear one from the unfolding birth notes in the fiber fridays thread. So nice to see this excellent highlight of a most excellent Etsy seller!
3 years ago
sarte says:
Beautiful story!!
3 years ago
jocelyngermany says:
Yay! Maple is the best. Her yarn is wonderful!
3 years ago
silversunalpacas says:
Maple, Congrat for a lovely story. Your work is beautiful :)
3 years ago
loveinmadness says:
beautiful!
3 years ago