ALPACA
RESCUE
WOOL GROUP
Creativity without limits

From raw fleece to unique gift

Every spring, a giant project is scheduled at Alpacas Zeelandia: shearing days! With our own 13 alpacas and 16 llamas, plus the 50 to 70 alpacas we take care of in our Rescue Center, this yields a massive mountain of special wool in every natural color imaginable.

What do you do with so much beautiful, soft wool? Our enthusiastic Alpaca Rescue Wool Group knows just what to do! This spontaneously formed group of volunteers transforms the raw fleeces into the most wonderful handmade products.

Will you join us?

Do you have experience with spinning wool, or are you a star at crocheting and knitting? Would you like to join this fun group, or spend an afternoon helping us sort and clean the fleeces? Even if you would like to donate wool from your own alpacas, you are more than welcome!

Send an email to [email protected], and Millie will get in touch with you as soon as possible!

crocheted soft toy

Creativity without limits

The wool group is bursting with unique ideas, and its members live all across the Netherlands. The entire process is pure artisan handiwork: the wool is carefully picked over, cleaned, washed, spun, crocheted, and knitted.

Under the leadership of initiator Millie, the collection keeps growing. In our shop, you can now find:

  • Comfortable beanies, cowls, headbands, and hand warmers
  • 100% alpaca wool soft toys and keychains
  • Creative mini-sweaters, mini-backpacks, and bags featuring 3D alpacas
  • Beautiful Peg Loom woven rugs, DIY kits, and natural walking wool (wandelwol)

In addition to natural color shades, the group experiments extensively with beautiful wool blends and natural fiber dyeing. A few times a year, the wool crafters gather at our farm in Zeeland to exchange techniques, gain inspiration, and, of course, enjoy the alpacas. What started as a small club has grown into a large, tight-knit group where everyone contributes to supporting our rescue alpacas using their own unique talents.

Where to buy?

Looking for a unique and sustainable gift (for yourself or someone else)? The proceeds from these handmade products go directly toward the care and medical expenses of our rescue alpacas. You can find our products at the following locations:

Alpacas Zeelandia
In the alpaca rescue center shop
View opening hours

Vakschoenmakerij Kars
Nieuwstraat 36
3743 BL Baarn

Kwaliteitsstomerij Caronette
Laanstraat 107
3743 BD Baarn

Introducing the team

Behind every wool product is a story of its own.

Meet a few of the driving forces behind the wool group:

millie en nanito

Millie – The spider in the web

Millie is the engine behind the Alpaca Rescue Wool Group. Alongside her caregiving work at the Rescue Center, she coordinates the distribution of all materials and keeps in warm contact with all members. She is incredibly creative: new, original alpaca products roll off her hands constantly. She also provides every incoming product with a unique label and gives workshops on processing alpaca wool.

hanneke

Hanneke – The beanie champion

Hanneke got to know the Rescue Center through Millie and was immediately sold on our mission. As soon as the rescue alpacas’ wool is cleaned and carded, Hanneke’s work begins. She hand-spins the loose alpaca fibers into strong, soft threads. Next, she knits them into the most beautiful headbands, cowls, and beanies. Her personal beanie tally has already reached an impressive total of over 140 pieces!

marina

Marina – Passionate wool expert

Three years ago, Marina fell completely under the spell of the “wool virus.” Buying, washing, carding, plying, felting, and dyeing fleeces: her home, garage, and garden shed now look like a small wool factory! Marina loves visiting markets and spinning cafes. The world of wool brings her plenty of social fun and new encounters. The best thing about this wool group? Everyone gets to work entirely at their own pace and schedule.

hanneke

… and many more creative hands!

Our wool group would be nowhere without the indispensable dedication and talents of: Anita, Lydia, Cocky, Ria, Anja, Natalia, Dorina, Carin, Menno, Suus, Renske, Joan, Iris, Andrea, and Moniek. Every single one of them uses their creativity to contribute to a better life for our rescue animals!