A Yarn with a Story: Hand-Spun Llama Wool from Argentina

In the province of Catamarca, in the northwest of Argentina, lives Armando, a dedicated llama herder who has built his life around these noble animals. His llamas roam freely across the mountains, living in their natural habitat and grazing on native vegetation. To protect both the land and the herd, Armando carefully rotates them from one area to another and monitors their health to ensure they thrive.

When the mothers are expecting, they are brought to the farm, a safe place where they can give birth and care for their young. The crias stay with their mothers for about a year before returning to the freedom of the mountains.

But Armando’s work goes beyond caring for the llamas. He also spins and weaves their fibers, creating traditional entelar fabrics and crafting boinas, a characteristic hat of rural Argentina. His llamas carry a wide range of natural colors, from cream and gray to rich browns and deep blacks, reflecting the beauty of the Andean landscape.

These fibers then travel to Buenos Aires, where Julia Aguirre spins them by hand. Through this collaboration, Villama is able to share a piece of Argentina with Finland, and with every country where knitters and creators value the warmth and authenticity of natural llama wool.

There is no llama wool more authentic than the hand-spun fibers that come directly from the mountains of Argentina, where the animals live freely and are cared for with respect. By choosing these products, you are not only embracing the beauty of natural materials, but also supporting small farmers, artisans, and sustainable practices.

From all of us at Villama, thank you for being part of this journey and helping keep these traditions alive.

— Villama