Everything You Need to Know About Your SHED Fine Fibre Products
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These products came from SHED Chetwyn Farms — a working alpaca farm and fibre studio in Prince Edward County. Whether you visited us or received these as a gift, welcome. We're glad our products found you.
Caring for Your Fine Fibre Socks & other Alpaca Products from SHED Chetwyn Farms
A guide from SHED Chetwyn Farms
✓ Hand wash in cool water
✓ Lay flat to air dry
✓ Use a gentle, lanolin-free wool wash
✗ No dryer — ever
✗ No hot water
✗ No wringing or twisting
Whether your products are made from our own herd's alpaca fibre or another fine natural fibre we carry, a little care goes a long way. These aren't fast fashion — looked after properly, they'll last years.
Washing
Hand wash is always best for any natural fibre product. Use cool or lukewarm water — never hot. Heat causes alpaca and wool fibre to felt and shrink permanently.
Use a gentle, lanolin-free wool wash. Alpaca fibre is naturally lanolin-free — unlike wool — so it's important to choose a wash that won't reintroduce it. We recommend Eucalan Natural Wash Concentrate, available in our shop. For a quick refresh between washes, our Linen & Natural Fibre Spray — Alpaca & Wool Refresh is ideal.
Machine washing: If you must, use the wool or delicate cycle, cold water only, inside a mesh laundry bag. This protects the fibre from agitation damage.
Drying
No dryer — ever. Heat and tumbling will felt and shrink natural fibre products beyond recovery.
Lay flat on a clean towel, reshape gently while damp, and leave to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Alpaca in particular dries quickly — it naturally repels moisture far better than wool or cotton.
How Often to Wash
Less than you'd expect. Alpaca fibre is naturally antimicrobial and odour-resistant. Air your items between wears and you'll find they stay fresh far longer than synthetic or cotton alternatives — and last significantly longer as a result.
Merino and other fine wool products share similar properties, though alpaca is particularly exceptional in this regard.
Pilling
Light pilling in high-friction areas is normal with any natural fibre. Use a fabric comb or sweater stone to remove pills — don't pull them off by hand. A quick pass every few wears keeps them looking their best.
Storage
Store clean and dry. For seasonal storage, a breathable cotton bag works well. Cedar blocks or dried lavender deter moths naturally — avoid mothballs, which can damage fine fibre over time.
A Note on Value
The cost per wear on a well-made natural fibre product is remarkably low. A pair of socks or a beautifully crafted alpaca piece, cared for properly, can last a decade or more — something no synthetic product can claim. We think that's worth knowing, and worth the small extra effort.
🎁 Thank-You Gifts — Just for Subscribers
Sign up or visit our store and subscribe at checkout. At SHED, we don't put things on sale or offer public discounts — our subscribers are the only ones who ever receive offers. That's intentional.
You'll also receive exclusive subscriber-only offers, occasional farm updates, new arrivals, and seasonal news from Prince Edward County.
Alpaca products make the perfect gift when the cold arrives — and your discount will be waiting whenever you're ready.
SHED Chetwyn Farms — Prince Edward County
Questions about care or our products? hello@shedchetwynfarms.com

