What makes a woman who has been knitting with alpaca wool for 45 years so special?
In the mountains of Arequipa (Peru), where the alpacas are at home, lives Marcelina – an experienced knitter who enchanted us with her story and her knowledge of alpacas.
A life with alpacas
Marcelina grew up with alpaca. Even as a child, she helped her mother spin the fine knitting wool from the shorn alpaca wool. "Alpaca is more than just yarn," she says. "It's part of our culture, our history." For her, knitting is a daily companion, a form of expression and pride in her heritage.
Why alpaca wool?
"Alpaca wool warms without sweating," explains Marcelina. "It's light, soft, and lasts forever." This is a real advantage, especially in the high altitudes of the Andes, where it gets very cold at night. Once you've knitted with real alpaca fiber, you won't want anything else. Even allergy sufferers swear by it, as it contains hardly any lanolin.
Marcelina's favorite projects
Marcelina's favorite knitting techniques are sweaters and scarves. Her patterns are inspired by ancient Inca symbols, which she reinterprets in a modern way. For her, each piece is unique—and you can feel it.
What we can learn from Marcelina
Patience. Attention to detail. And respect for the animal and nature. "Take your time to knit," advises Marcelina. "Then your energy will flow into every stitch."
Marcelina's story makes it clear: knitting with alpaca is more than a hobby—it's a labor of love. Her passion reminds us how valuable genuine craftsmanship is. Be inspired by her love of alpaca wool and discover for yourself how much joy it is to create something unique, stitch by stitch.
