Handwoven Lustrous Sage & Greens Alpaca Throw

The striped alpaca throw measuring 92 x 65 inches (234 x 165 cm) is light green, sage, and darker greens. Alpaca is an animal fiber, and animal fibers are a touch sensory experience.

Alpaca yarn is wrapped around a wooden frame to map the pattern, then woven on a loom. After weaving, the throw is brushed by hand with a native teasel plant and ironed by hand with a wooden block. The throw has hand-sewn edges.

Alpaca fibers regulate humidity by absorbing moisture vapor into their hollow cores, maintaining consistent contact as room humidity changes. This buffering effect prevents sudden dampness or coolness from reaching the skin. Many people find that alpaca remains comfortable even when conditions vary because the fiber disperses moisture gradually. Spinal lamina I pathways send this stable humidity information to the parabrachial nucleus, which interprets it as a balanced, moderate sensory pattern (Craig, 2002). According to research, consistent and predictable touch, similar to what alpacas provide in a humid environment, can aid individuals experiencing anxiety or overwhelm by fostering a sense of stability (Olausson et al., 2014).

Details

• Material: Alpaca
• Color: Light green, sage, and darker greens
• Size: 92" x 65" (234 x 165 cm)
• Finish: Hand-sewn edges
• Construction: Handwoven
• Origin: Made in Ecuador

Pairing Note

Textiles provide tactile grounding by activating the skin’s mechanoreceptors to produce calming physical feedback (McGlone et al., 2014) and ease tension (McEwen, 2007). Visual: People often look at color, pattern, and form while touching fabric. The eyes help the brain understand what the hands are feeling (Lakoff, 1987). When the visual cue matches the texture, the sensory cue helps the brain process the experience more efficiently, making the experience clearer. This visual-tactile pairing creates a small resonance of emotional steadiness (Juslin & Västfjäll, 2008) and strengthens memory through familiar sensory combinations (Herz, 2016).