Sisters shop specializes in Alpaca products

Tucked away in a corner of Sisters shopping area just off Cascade Avenue is a wonderland of winter woolies, very luxurious woolies. Alpaca by Design is a small shop that carries only garments made of alpaca fiber.

Owner Steve Segal is a former alpaca breeder, a designer and weaver who knows his products. Nearly all are sourced from South America, where the alpaca industry has been established for hundreds of years.

The garments in Segal's store aren't like the South American sweaters many of us remember from the 1970s. Those droopy, belted things were more reminiscent of a horse blanket. Today's alpaca fashions are expertly designed with a stylish look and feel.

Segal feels like the store is a good fit with Sisters' arts and crafts reputation.

"Many shoppers know natural fibers and what goes into making a good garment," he said. "They come to Sisters looking for something different and extraordinary."

Alpaca differs from other natural fibers by being hypo-allergenic. It isn't itchy and is resistant to moisture. Many people who find wool uncomfortable are able to wear alpaca.

The South American-made garments are mostly hand-made by village artisans. They are available in limited supply, which adds to their uniqueness. The purchase of one of these heirloom quality sweaters, capes or jackets is satisfying on several levels, said Segal. It supports American designers and South American rural industry and encourages expansion of the alpaca industry in the United States.

The store's biggest seller is socks. Segal says socks are a good place to start if one is unfamiliar with alpaca garments, because they are inexpensive and easy to care for. The only problem is that they generally spoil the feet for any other kind of sock. They seem to have built-in thermostats that keep feet at a perfectly comfortable temperature.

Once the feet are happy, it's easy to move to garments that warm the rest of the body. Scarves, hats and gloves are available in addition to sweaters and outerwear. Segal will carry summer lines of golf apparel and warm season sweaters.

Segal encourages shoppers to do more than look at his products.

"Alpaca is a sensual fiber," he said.

Choosing a garment is a tactile experience, welcome at this cold time of year.

Alpaca by Design is located in Barclay Square, behind Sisters Mercantile, across Cascade Avenue from The Gallery Restaurant. For more information call 610-9530.