Blog 3: 100% Baby Alpaca No Matter What
Year 1: Venturing Once Again
Blog 3: 100% Baby Alpaca No Matter What
[February 13, 2024] During my stay in Peru, I had the opportunity to meet with a representative from Inca Tops in Lima. As one of the two largest alpaca knitting suppliers in Peru, Inca Tops is deeply committed to honouring the traditions of Peruvian alpaca wool craftsmanship. Their operations cover everything from raising the alpacas and collecting the wool to cleaning and manufacturing the yarns. They adhere to all mandated certifications and provide top-notch alpaca yarns. The meeting was both enlightening and overwhelming, given that it was my first time delving into these details in person. I’m incredibly grateful to Inca Tops for their guidance and support in selecting options for our dog sweaters.
[February 16] With little time to spare, I flew to Arequipa, the heart of the alpaca industry. As I mentioned in my previous blog, I had met with several manufacturers, but only one inspired enough confidence for us to proceed. The owner was professional and provided a thorough tour of his facility, explaining the entire garment creation process. Although he initially suggested blending alpaca with other materials, I insisted on 100% baby alpaca. My personal 100% baby alpaca sweater is the softest, least itchy garment I own, and I wanted that same quality for the dog sweaters. The owner agreed and promised to send a sample within a few weeks.
(In the realm of baby alpaca yarn, there are numerous yarn varieties and a wide array of colours. There are 22 natural colours, with additional hues created using dyes derived from fruits and vegetables)
[February 16, 2024] Returning to Lima, I continued meeting other manufacturers but was already 90% certain about the one in Arequipa. I took the opportunity to spend time with my family in Lima before flying back to Vancouver on February 29. I then packed up to head to LA to help my sister settle in before she starts school in the fall.
[February 23, 2024] Our Arequipa manufacturer began creating samples to determine the optimal thickness for the sweaters. After evaluating a few samples, we chose 8-strand braids to ensure the sweaters would be thick and cozy for the dogs.
(Samples of 8 strand braids in burgundy and green)
(100% baby alpaca dog sweater in 8 strand braids - green)
[March 10, 2024] My wife and I approved the sample and placed the order, marking a significant step forward in building this brand. I am deeply thankful to the manufacturer for their unwavering support and dedication to ensuring the best quality product.
(Local artisans knitting our dog sweaters)
While it took some time to complete the sweaters, I appreciate the meticulous attention to detail from the manufacturer. They conducted several tests, including pilling, colour fastness, respirator fit, burst resistance, deformation, and fibre identification tests. None of the other manufacturers offered such comprehensive testing, which bolstered my confidence in their work.
[March - August, 2024] With three samples in hand, I reached out to friends and community members with dogs to help model and photograph the sweaters. Special thanks to Tiffane and @the.hazel.corgi, Cynthia and @charlie.thepoochon, Christine and @miss.maltipoo.mia, Mike and @flying_nimbus_adventures, @thebennydoodle, Kurt @the_wood87, Jennifer and Richard, and @koopa.the.teddy, as well as @mochihavanese for their invaluable help and support!
After several months, the sweaters finally arrived in Vancouver. Navigating customs for the first time was a challenge, especially with the Richmond, BC office still using a DOS system for import declarations. Thankfully, without a broker, I managed to clear the imports within a couple of days without any issues.
If you have any questions about this journey, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to share whatever I can. Stay tuned for Blog #4!
Gustavo Lin