Earth Tree Fair Trade -- 100% Alpaca Wool Hand-Knitted Convertible Neck Warmer & Hat (Light Grey)

Experience exceptional warmth with this neck warmer, meticulously crafted from 100% alpaca wool. It offers two distinct ways to wear it: as a classic neck warmer, or by adjusting the drawstring, it can be styled as a hat. Plus, enjoy the flexibility of its reversible design. The geometric pattern, paired with a sophisticated vintage hue, adds a nuanced dimension to your wardrobe. Keep it conveniently in your bag for effortless access as a warming accessory on colder days. ● Material: 100% Alpaca Wool With a uniquely smooth, soft, and exquisitely warm texture. Alpaca, a close relative of the camel, roams the high plateaus of Peru and Bolivia in South America, at altitudes between 4,000 and 5,000 meters. To shield themselves from intense sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations, alpacas are covered in incredibly fine fleece. This fiber is rich in natural oils and has a hollow core, trapping warm air like tiny straws to provide superior insulation. Alpaca wool products are cherished for their "moistly smooth feel" due to their natural oil content, their "warmth" and "moisture-retaining" properties from their hollow structure, and their remarkable durability and wrinkle resistance. ● Artisan Collective: The artisan who brings these pieces to life is Feliciano, residing in the outskirts of Lima, Peru. Feliciano hails from Juliaca, a town near Lake Titicaca at an elevation of 3,825 meters, known as a hub for wool and alpaca trade. Knitting has been a lifelong endeavor in his family. He absorbed the art of weaving by observing his mother's work. At 22, he and his wife relocated to Lima, drawn by the abundance of opportunities. The outskirts of Lima are characterized by barren, brown hillsides punctuated by vibrantly colored houses. These colorful dwellings are often built and inhabited by individuals who have migrated from rural areas in search of work. Feliciano's home and workshop are nestled in a corner of these hills. He carries forward the rich textile heritage and knitting techniques passed down through generations of high-altitude alpaca herders. We believe that collaborating with Feliciano and others like him is vital for teaching and preserving traditional hand-knitting techniques for the children and future knitters of Peru. - ● Dimensions (cm): Approximately 26 cm wide x 23 cm long *Please note that as these are handmade items, there may be slight variations of a few centimeters in the measurements. Your understanding is appreciated. ● Material: 100% Alpaca Wool ● Origin: Peru **Hand wash with a neutral detergent at home.