{This article is written in partnership with Purple Nest Design—they believe that every handwoven alpaca blanket, carries within it the story of people, tradition, and a way of life. We’re honored to work with them. ~ ed.}

I’m so glad I asked.

Unbeknownst to me, the founder of a thoughtful alpaca blanket company sat beside me during many, many swim meets over the years. I knew her family had recently-ish moved from California to our community, and that was about it.

End of story…or so it could have been.

Instead, we began chatting and dove deeper and deeper into each other’s life stories. It didn’t take long before I fell in awe of hers—and I asked a question that led to this article.

“I love what you do—how may I support you?”

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You see, each of the alpaca blankets Liz’s company Purple Nest Design sells, represents so much more than the super soft texture, gorgeous color, and pattern. They tell the type of story that makes them a go-to throw worth giving.

 Why Reach for a Handmade Alpaca Blanket?

(Featured above: The Kani Collection from Ecuador)

1. Mother Earth will thank you.

If she could, she would because the source of each blanket’s fiber is not only adorable but good for the planet.

Alpacas are eco-friendly.

The cute creatures are gentle. They have soft padded feet, as opposed to sheep hooves that tear up land. Also, alpacas cut the grass they feast upon, rather than rip it and strip it from the earth.

They’re smart animals—even their “returns” to the earth are kind. Alpacas are known to use a communal space to relieve themselves, creating a pile of fertilizer that may be used directly in gardens with excellent nutrients and little odor.

2. Alpaca fiber is hypo-aller-incredible.

Alpaca fiber is simply superior to the rest. It’s hypoallergenic, warmer than sheep’s wool, naturally fire resistant, and moisture wicking. It’s lightweight and breathable compared to wool, and it’s stronger—which means it’s prone to much less pilling.

A company like Purple Nest Design uses alpaca fibers that are sustainably sourced and ethically made with natural materials as well.

3. Help preserve the time-honored Art of Weaving. 

Textiles these days are increasingly mass-produced in the growing world of fast fashion. “Dupes” cut costs and corners. It’s no secret that giant industrial looms are making many of the alpaca throws that are exported.

Liz celebrates and supports weavers and their heritage, preserved through centuries of tradition.

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By traveling and connecting with smaller weaving cooperatives and family-run workshops in Ecuador and Peru, the founders of Purple Nest Design were able to build genuine, lasting relationships with their weaving partners.

They personally know who is behind their products and share those stories with their customers.

The artisans use traditional techniques paired with premium, natural materials. Every piece carries a unique story that’s erased in mass-produced décor.

Imagine threads individually measured by using a giant spinning wooden structure; and weavers setting up the loom. The threading of the loom by hand is an art in itself. Each strand must be aligned in order to achieve the intended design.

When the weaving begins, the artistry shines with complex patterns, geometric shapes, and symbolic motifs formed row by row, with every intentional movement. Many designs hold cultural backstory, telling stories of the artisan’s land and ancestral traditions.

To finish the blankets, the edges are handtied into tassels or handsewn. The surfaces are brushed or softened with Tesal, a native plant that grows in the hills. It combs the fibers to create the luxurious, renowned texture and sheen.

The result is a handfinished blanket that is not only beautiful and lasting but also a living piece of cultural heritage.

(Featured above: The Kallpa Collection from Ecuador and the Wasi and Kulsi Collections from Peru)

4. Where your money goes, energy flows.

I love Purple Nest’s tag line, “When art thrives, communities flourish.”

Mindless purchases benefit someone or some factory, somewhere. Mindful ones, on the other hand, support communities and causes.

When shopping from a company like Liz’s, every textile purchased helps a family thrive—because they pay the artist their worth with fair trade practices.

Plus, Purple Nest Design donates 3% of profits back to organizations dedicated to education, sustainable alpaca farming, and women’s empowerment in the local regions. These partnerships help amplify change, providing resources and opportunities that extend far beyond a single family or village.

(Featured above: Rolando, Jennie, and Lina in Ecuador)

We have the power to go beyond simply decorating our homes—we may preserve art, sustain tradition, and celebrate the hands that made it.

Purple Nest Design’s alpaca blankets are so cozy and purpose-filled with intention that we at Elephant felt compelled to share this mindful company. Even their name is special. It’s an ode to Liz’s late mother.

The essence of Purple Nest Design was hatched in her home. Being in her house was like being nurtured in a nest and was decorated in a way that inspired happiness. She knew how to make a room feel beautiful, not pretentious or overly done, but just full of the right touches. And the color? Always elements of purple.

Unfortunately, almost 13 years ago, her breast cancer came back and took her in four short weeks. It was awful in every sense, and it left a hole in my life that is a little better with time but is not filled. So to honor the person who gave me wings, I named the business as my ode to my mom’s support. Her greatest gift was her unwavering love. I think of her every day and like to think that she is in her own beautiful place—a nest filled with beauty, love, and understanding – and all things purple. ~ Liz, founder of Purple Nest Design

(Featured above: Muru Collection—Handloomed Undyed Alpaca & Peruvian Pima Cotton Throw in Ivory)

Alpaca blankets feel like a compassionate hug—and we need those, a lot of ‘em.

Wrap your dear ones, and yourself, in a throw that gives back—to artists, to communities, and to time-honored traditions—and embodies the essence of love.

Whether celebrating weddings, graduations, new babies, or birthdays; or you know someone stuck at home recovering; or just cuz—a handcrafted alpaca blanket makes a thoughtful gift, thank you note, or present to yourself for your presence on your own sofa.

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They’re the hugs that keep the craft of weaving and the community where they’ve been made for generations alive and well—and offer a gentle invitation to softly consider the impacts of other purchases you make too.

When you’re out and about shopping, traveling, or in the stands at your kiddo’s event, strike up conversations with (not-for-long) strangers. They may just spark the same question,

“I love what you do—how may I support you?”

~