Elaine and Glenn Orme moved from Florida more than 20 years ago to Maryland, starting Tuckahoe Treasures Alpaca Farm. “I love the alpacas,” Elaine said. “They’re such gentle animals. They’re such a calm animal just to watch.” (Photo by Sean Clougherty)
It seems no matter how warmly dressed you are for an outside activity, once your feet and toes get too cold, it’s time to go inside.
That’s only one reason why socks made from alpaca fleece are one of the most popular items at local alpaca farm stores.
“It’s like heat on the feet immediately,” said Elaine Orme, who owns Tuckahoe Treasures Alpaca Farm in Denton with her husband Glenn.
Native to the Andes Mountain region of South America, alpacas thrive in harsh conditions aided by coats of dense fleece.
As livestock on farms, the animals’ coats are sheared every spring with the fleece gathered to process into yarn and them made into clothes and other products.
The spring shearing also helps them manage the summers’ heat.
“They just get a haircut,” said Phil Liske of Outstanding Dreams Alpaca Farm in Preston. “It takes about 10 minutes for each animal.”
The natural fiber’s warmth is only one of its aspects, alpaca farmers espouse to people that come to their farms and shops.
The fleece is hypoallergenic as it doesn’t have the oil lanolin found in sheep’s wool and it’s a softer fiber making it smoother on the skin.
“It’s as soft if not softer than cashmere,” said Liske.
All these attributes connect back to the tiny fiber’s semi-hollow core, which traps heat, insulates the body but also stays breathable and allows moisture to move away from the skin and evaporate away.
Orme and Liske said winter is busy in their stores as people seek a quality fix to their cold parts.
Along with the socks — prized by hunters and outdoor workers — scarves, hats and gloves also get plenty of interest, and there’s also toys animals, yarn, rugs, sweaters, blankets and many other items.
The Ormes stock soap with a felted alpaca covering.
“It’s like a loofah or a wash cloth,” Elaine said.
Interest beyond the Mid-Shore is expected to keep growing as well, even with those large sportswear brands.
“Growing consumer awareness regarding the benefits of eco-friendly textiles will spur the product demand,” according to a recent report from Growth Market Insights.
“In the space of textiles and fashion, natural and breathable fabric has become very popular in recent years. Peruvian alpaca wool has gained momentum owing to its unique characteristics, durability, and superior quality. Various clothing brands and designers are using alpaca to make jackets and coats owing to their low water retention rate and moisture resistance. Additionally, the rising demand for biodegradable materials in the construction sector will positively impact the industry outlook.”
While the garments and items made with alpaca fleece warm the body, seeing and watching the alpaca animals warms the heart for many visitors, the farmers said. Liske and his wife Vickie hold an annual fall festival that draws hundreds of people to the farm to see the animals and learn about the fleece’s characteristics.
“It took a while for people to understand the difference,” he said. “Once people try the product they understand the value.”
Elaine Orme said when their first alpacas came to the farm more than 20 years ago, she often sat near the pasture just to watch them.
“I love the alpacas,” she said. “They’re such gentle animals. They’re such a calm animal just to watch.”
