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Everything You Need to Know About Your SHED Fine Fibre Products

Fine alpaca socks being hand washed and air dried

Take Your Next Step!

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

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