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Story by
mtraub,
northstaralpacas
Published on July 11, 2008 in This Handmade Life |
Photo by |
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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| Tags | alpacas, animals, Etsy Pets, farm, fiber, knitting, northstaralpacas, pets, yarn |
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30 comments Login to add your own!
thefunkyfelter
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!!!!
Vanessa
MVKnits
dogties
sweetestpea
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!
kerrihale
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 :)
intertwingle
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.
zwzzy
MoonMystic
cherylavenue
sandcookies
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:)
SkyBox
I want to come live on the alpaca farm! Those are too cute. And they don't spit as much as llamas.
amysfunkyfibers
MelangeByLisette
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!
eclipse
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.
TickledPinkKnits
what a wonderful glimpse into the life of the person behind a very special etsy shop :)
reanee
I am delighted to see this article on you!!!!!!!! Yippee, it is just wonderful.
I can attest that this wool, is sumptious........
Florcita
RoseThistleArtworks
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!
knittydirtygirl
WhorlingTides
Congrats on the great write up! I always love to see your work.
northstaralpacas
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.
lololyta
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!
karenmary
I wish I could stop in the barn, Maple.
What a cool business you have.
Ebrown2503
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!
sarte
jocelyngermany
silversunalpacas
Maple, Congrat for a lovely story. Your work is beautiful :)
loveinmadness
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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!).