the Monthly Wrap - August 2026

What’s New?

Early Steps in Glove Knitting

Early knitting samples of alpaca gloves.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve begun exploring the full potential of our new glove‑knitting machine. With fresh alpaca–merino blend yarn from Mountain Meadow Wool in hand, we’ve been running test samples, adjusting stitch density, and refining the individual parameters that shape a truly functional glove. Every small change—tension, take‑down, finger length, cuff elasticity—teaches us something new about how this blend behaves in motion.

This is a completely new craft for our studio, and we’re approaching it the same way we approach everything: patient experimentation, careful observation, and a commitment to comfort and consistency. As we dial in the pattern settings and learn the rhythm of the machine, we’re getting closer each day to a glove that feels as good as it looks—warm, soft, and unmistakably Montana‑made.

Stock Up for Autumn Shoppers

Fall is right around the corner, and it’s the season when alpaca really shines. We’re opening our fall wholesale ordering window and encourage partners to get their autumn inventory secured early. Placing orders now ensures you get the colors and quantities you want before production fills up.

Our work is small‑batch and Montana‑made, so early planning helps us keep your shelves stocked through the busy season. If you’re ready to build your fall order, we’re here to help you choose the pieces that fit your store and your customers.

Upcoming Tradeshows:

Catch us at the Helena Farmer’s Market for most of September! You can also find us at:

9/5/2026 - The Prairie Sisters Vintage Market at Fort Missoula, Missoula
9/15/2026 - York Fest at York, MT

Knitwork Collaborations:

Shout Out to The Montana Wool Lab Crew

We want to give a sincere shout‑out to the Montana Wool Lab, crew at Montana State University for the fiber analysis services they provide. Their work, especially the detailed histograms and micron profiles, gives us a clear, scientific picture of the quality and character of our alpaca fiber. With this data in hand, we’re able to assess our herd more accurately and make informed decisions about how to improve comfort, consistency, and performance in the textiles we produce.

Beyond day‑to‑day quality control, fiber analysis is a cornerstone of our long‑term breeding program. By pairing hands‑on experience with objective fiber metrics, we can shape breeding decisions that are guided by real data rather than guesswork. For other fiber producers looking to complement the well‑known services available out of New Zealand, the Montana Wool Lab offers an excellent, accessible option right here in the region, one we’re proud to support and recommend.