While we were spring cleaning making room for '07 inventory, we found twenty dozen pairs of white, medium, Weekender Socks. These socks were manufactured in 2002 and are 80% alpaca, 20% wool. We thought that these socks would be fantastic for experimenting with dye because we only have white. After doing a little research we found that Kool Aid dyes alpaca well and is available in an array of vibrant colors, very suitable for the summer months. These socks were originally $60/dozen with 5 pounds of fiber but in the spirit of spring cleaning, we are going to sell them for $50/dozen, no fiber required. With each order, NEAFP will throw some Kool Aid packets in to get you started and provide step by step directions. There is only 20 dozen available and will be sold on a first come first serve basis.

Dying Instructions.

Here is how we dyed a few test pairs. You'll need a microwave safe bowl, measuring cup, white vinegar, 2 packages of Kool Aid and rubber gloves (optional).

1. Place one sock in your bowl and submerge it in warm water. Add 2 ounces of vinegar to the water and kneed the sock untill it is completely wet. Empty the water from the bowl
2. In a sperate container, mix one package of Kool Aid with 1/4 cup of warm water in a measuring cup. Pour the Kool Aid into the sock bowl and with your rubber gloves, kneed the Kool Aid into the sock so it is evenly dispersed.
3. Place the bowl in the microwave and put on high for 1.5 minutes. Let stand for 1.5 minutes then microwave again for 1.5 minutes.
4. Remove from the microwave and air cool. Rinse with luke warm water to remove any dye that did not fix ( there should not be any)
5. Squeeze any remaining liquid from the sock and air dry.

One of the main goals of NEAFP when the company was started was to share the benefits of Alpaca Fiber with all of North America. It has been an uphill battle as most of the general public does not know what an Alpaca is, and the ones that do, believe it to be a llama. With the new "Go Green" mindset sweeping the nation, we are very excited how Alpaca products fit seamlessly into this lifestyle.

We believe the Alpaca itself is a symbol of living in harmony with the environment and preserving our planet. Even NEAFP has re-evaluated who we are and what we stand for, and Eco- Responsibility ranked very high on our priority list. Like the Alpaca, we too are striving to tread lightly on the Earth all well providing a quality product to our customers. Starting with this NEAFP Note, we will be starting a section containing links to articles relating to the Go Green movement and how it directly affects the Alpaca fiber industry. If you have any articles you would like to share with the rest of our community, please do not hesitate to Email Us.

Believe it or not, Alpacas give back to their owners' more than just luxurious fiber. In the spirit of utilizing all, wasting none, NEAFP has begun researching the benefits of Alpaca Dung.

Alpaca Dung is becoming the go-to fertilizer for all serious gardeners, and for good reason. Unlike most other forms of manure-based fertilizer, Alpaca Dung does not have to be aged or composted before you can use it. The quick and efficient digestive system in the Alpaca protects against germinating seeds and has just the right amount of organic content to improve overall soil health and help it retain water.

This spring while planning our flower and vegetable gardens, we have been utilizing as much of our Alpaca dung as possible. If you have more than enough for yourself, don't be hesitant to share it with your gardening neighbors. This spring, give the gift of Alpaca Dung, the gift that keeps on giving.