Our Story
Alpaca Imports was started in 1980 by Carole Applin and DeWayne Watson, when they started with backpacks from Steamboat Springs, Colorado on an eight-month journey through Central and South America. Captivated by the beauty of the Andes and the indigenous cultures, Carole and DeWayne learned to appreciate the locals’ artistic talents for weaving and knitting.
In the mountains of Peru, they were taken by the native alpaca, with its long, silky soft fiber and beautiful natural sheen; stronger and much warmer than wool. Alpaca yarn was being made into beautiful sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets. Carole and DeWayne began working directly with local knitters and a Peruvian family business that helped train, counsel, and promote sustainable economic independence for the knitters (mostly women). Alpaca Imports was born.
Moving Towards The Future
We are direct importers of fine hand-knits from around the world in alpaca, wool and cotton. We work directly with these same family businesses in Peru and also Nepal to create Fair-Trade, sustainable products. Working closely together, we bring our ideas of fashion, design and color and, together with the knitters’ expertise, we create unique and colorful sweaters, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves and more.
At Alpaca Imports we believe in taking a triple bottom line approach. We know that business is a tool that can be used to help change the world, and we want to leverage the power of good to become change agents – all while making you look great!
Alpaca Imports – In the News
Alpaca knits business stays warm and cozy in Steamboat
Alpaca Imports 