What's Been Going on Behind the Scenes?

The answer to that question is exciting to share!  HALO Inspirations has teamed up with Foxwire Farm Alpacas in Toano, VA to create Alpaca Pressing Mats!  We have decided to call them Pac-a-mat (because you can Pack A Mat and take it anywhere), and they are professionally needle felted at Foxwire Farm Alpacas using the fiber from their own alpacas.  Some of you may wonder why use alpaca and not wool.  For me, there are a few easy to understand reasons why.

In our shop, you can read the additional information that explains many of the benefits of the alpaca fiber.  But I will briefly explain a few of the reasons.

The mats are completely 100% natural alpaca fibers.  As the alpaca come in 22 natural colors, we do not need to add any dyes or chemicals.

 We designed the Pac-a-mat to be a personal ironing mat for your quilting or embroidery needs.  They are lighter in weight than wool, easy to transport.

Great feature:  Alpaca fiber is naturally 10 times better at insulating than wool.  What does this mean for ironing of your beautiful blocks?  This heat retention allows your seams to be crisp and sharp, as the heat is set from the top and the bottom of your fabric all at the same time.

Alpaca fiber also “wicks” away moisture and releases it into the air. Wool is a solid core fiber that contains Lanolin.  This traps moisture against the skin.  Alpaca fiber is a hollow core and is able to then “wick” away that moisture.  For example, if you wore a pair of socks made from alpaca fiber, it would “wick” away the moisture from your feet, keeping them dry. Thus, it is best to use a dry iron.  However, it is optional to use a small MIST of water, and the mat will dry quickly between uses.

Unlike sheep’s wool, Alpaca fiber does not have an oils or Lanolin.  This makes alpaca fiber hypoallergenic.  Alpaca fiber is also odor resistant and flame retardant .  Applying your hot iron to the Pac-a-mat does not create an unpleasant odor that you may experience with wool. 

They are easy to care for and to clean.

Eventually we will offer 3 standard sizes of 8.5”x8.5,” 14”x14,” and maybe a 17”x17.”  We do have them in Black, Fawn (similar to beige), Rosegray, and Dark Brown.  As we are streamlining the manufacturing process of sizing, we are currently selling them individually.  However, our near term goal is to have solid sizes in each color that will allow you to order them with ease. I took a picture at the Farm of the various colors we have.  I will also share on the shop tab very soon.

4 NATURAL, BEAUTIFUL COLORS OF PAC-A-MATS

It has been an absolute joy for HALO to work along with Foxwire Farm Alpacas. I would encourage you to check out their website and their boutique. Wonderful people, beautiful animals, and fantabulous alpaca merchandise!

As far as my quilting life goes, I have been busy working on several projects.  I have 2 T-shirt quilts in the works, still working on the quilt for my daughter’s sorority, longarming, and designing.  More sharing of all that in later blogs.  I believe quilters are one of the busiest people….lol…I know you are just as busy too.  It seems to go hand and hand.  I would be interested in you sharing with me what projects you have been busy working on.  You could even share a picture on my FaceBook page.

Until next time, may you continued to be inspired, productive, and joyful!  And never stop making your dreams in quilting come true!

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