Welcome to Adria Shop, where the timeless elegance of alpaca fibre meets the cherished stories of homestead antiques. Nestled in the heart of Stratford, Ontario, our retail haven is more than just a store—it's a celebration of family legacy, sustainable craftsmanship, and the quiet beauty of rural life. Inspired by the rolling fields of Bruce County and the creative spirit of our kin, Adria Shop brings the warmth of hand-spun yarns, luxurious throws, and one-of-a-kind vintage finds right to your doorstep (or soon, your online cart at adriashop.ca). Whether you're wrapping yourself in the soft embrace of ethically sourced alpaca or uncovering a piece of history that whispers of bygone eras, we're here to elevate your everyday with rustic charm and heartfelt authenticity.
Our story is woven from generations of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for the land. It begins on the family farm in Lucknow, where alpacas roam freely under wide Ontario skies, and extends to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Stratford. At the core of it all is the Graham family—Dee, Adria, and Daryl—each bringing their unique thread to this beautiful fabric. Join us as we share the journey that's led us here.
The Heart of It All: Dee Graham and the Birth of DL Farms Alpaca
Dee Graham is the unwavering matriarch, the visionary who turned a retirement dream into a thriving legacy. A dedicated educator for over three decades in Bruce County, Dee retired in 2006 with a heart full of curiosity and a longing to connect more deeply with the rhythms of nature. It was then, alongside her husband Lloyd, that she welcomed their first pair of alpacas to the family farm on Bruce Road 86, just east of Lucknow. What started as a whimsical fascination quickly blossomed into DL Farms Alpaca, now recognized as the second-largest alpaca farm in Ontario and home to over 140 majestic creatures.
Dee's journey with alpacas is one of profound transformation. Specializing in the striking black Huacaya breed—where "Black is Beautiful!" became their rallying cry—she's built a herd renowned for its exceptional fleece quality, champion stock, and gentle dispositions. These aren't just animals; they're family members who "insinuate themselves into your heart," as Dee often says. Under her stewardship, DL Farms has become a beacon for sustainable farming, emphasizing ethical breeding, humane care, and the art of fibre production. Dee's hands-on approach— from shearing sessions under the summer sun to meticulously sorting fleeces for spinning—reflects her commitment to quality and community. She's not just raising alpacas; she's nurturing a movement that honors the land, supports local artisans, and educates visitors on the wonders of this ancient South American treasure.
Today, DL Farms offers enchanting farm tours, where guests can meet the herd, learn about fibre processing, and even try their hand at crafting with raw alpaca wool. Dee's warmth shines through in every interaction, whether she's sharing stories of her favorite sires (like the legendary Conclusive AOC, whose passing in recent years left a paw-print on all their hearts) or demonstrating how alpaca fibre outperforms wool in softness, warmth, and hypoallergenic properties. It's this blend of expertise and enthusiasm that inspired Adria Shop—a way to bring Dee's farm-fresh bounty to a wider audience, transforming raw fibre into wearable art and heirloom pieces.
Adria Graham: The Daily Guardian of Fluff and Melody
If Dee is the founder, Adria Graham is the soul—the daily heartbeat that keeps DL Farms humming with life. As Dee and Lloyd's daughter, Adria grew up amidst the soft hum of hummingbirds and the contented hums of alpacas, forging an unbreakable bond with the herd from her earliest days. Now in her thirties, Adria tends to the 140+ alpacas with a devotion that's as much art as it is agriculture. From dawn patrols to feed the herd their custom-mixed grains and hay, to the intricate work of health checks and breeding programs, Adria's days are a symphony of care and connection. She's the one who knows each animal by name, spots the subtle shifts in their moods, and ensures the farm runs like a well-oiled spindle.
But Adria's talents extend far beyond the pasture. A gifted harpist, she weaves music into the fabric of farm life, often playing ethereal melodies on her lever harp during quiet evenings or special tour events. Her harp, with its cascading strings evoking the gentle flow of Lake Huron nearby, serves as a soothing backdrop to the alpacas' grazing— a harmonious blend of her artistic soul and pastoral duties. Adria's performances have graced local festivals and intimate gatherings in Lucknow and beyond, where her renditions of Celtic airs and original compositions transport listeners to misty highlands and sun-dappled meadows.
Under Adria's watchful eye, DL Farms is now cultivating its fourth generation of alpacas—a testament to selective breeding for superior genetics, vibrant colors (with a special nod to those deep blacks), and resilient health. This milestone isn't just about numbers; it's about legacy. Adria collaborates with global artisans to transform the farm's premium fleeces into everything from ultra-soft scarves and cozy blankets to artisanal yarns perfect for knitters and weavers. Her vision for sustainability shines through in eco-friendly practices, like composting alpaca manure for organic fertilizer and partnering with Indigenous crafters for culturally inspired designs.
Adria Shop bears her name as a tribute to this vibrant spirit. Located in Stratford, it's her creative outlet—a space where the farm's bounty meets urban elegance. Here, you'll find Adria's handpicked selections of alpaca fibre products, each piece carrying the whisper of Lucknow's winds. And when she's not strumming her harp or herding the herd, Adria dreams up new ways to blend her worlds: imagine a future workshop where visitors learn to knit while harp music fills the air. Adria embodies the shop's ethos—luxury born from love, tradition reimagined for tomorrow.
Daryl Graham: The Artistic Spark from Afar
No Graham tale is complete without Daryl, Adria's brother and Dee's son, the free-spirited cartoonist whose imagination knows no bounds. Born and raised on the Lucknow farm, Daryl traded pitchforks for pencils early on, channeling the whimsical antics of alpacas into sketches that captured their quirky personalities. Though he's traded the rural lanes for the bustling animation studios of Los Angeles, his heart remains tethered to Bruce County. With over 30 years in the industry, Daryl has lent his talents to iconic projects like Osmosis Jones (2001), 9 (2009), and the mind-bending anthology series Love, Death + Robots.
2025 marked a pinnacle in Daryl's career: he clinched the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation (Character Animation) for his groundbreaking work as 2D Animation Supervisor on the episode "400 Boys" from Love, Death + Robots Volume 4. Produced by PASSION Animation, this bold, surreal tale of youthful rebellion and mechanical mayhem showcased Daryl's mastery of fluid, expressive character work—bringing pint-sized protagonists to life with a blend of hand-drawn precision and digital innovation. Accepting the juried award at the Creative Arts Emmys, Daryl's speech was a heartfelt nod to his roots: "From sketching alpacas in the barn to animating dreams on screen, it's all about telling stories that stick." His win, celebrated in hometown headlines from The Huron Citizen, put Lucknow on the global map, proving that small-town magic fuels big-screen wonders.
While Daryl isn't knee-deep in daily farm chores (his Toronto commute is a bit longer these days), his creative fingerprints grace Adria Shop in delightful ways. He's authored The Alpaca Colouring Book, a charming collection of his original illustrations featuring the Graham herd in playful poses—from alpacas in tutus to ones pondering the meaning of hay. This limited-edition book, available both in-store and online, isn't just for kids; it's a mindful escape for adults, with intricate designs that highlight the animals' expressive eyes and fluffy contours. Proceeds support DL Farms' youth education programs, closing the loop on Daryl's commitment to family and community. Drop by the shop, grab a copy and some coloured pencils, and let Daryl's Emmy-honed whimsy inspire your next doodle.
From Farm to Fibre: Our Commitment to Craft and Heritage
At Adria Shop, every item tells a story—of the Lucknow fields where our alpacas graze on nutrient-rich pastures, yielding fleeces that rival the finest cashmere in luster and longevity. We source exclusively from DL Farms, ensuring traceability from shear to shelf. Our alpaca fibre products include:
Luxurious Apparel & Accessories: Hand-knitted shawls, scarves, and hats in a rainbow of natural hues, dyed with plant-based colors for eco-luxury.
Home Essentials: Cozy throws, plush pillows, and felting kits that bring farm-fresh softness to your living space.
Yarns & Crafts: Premium roving and skeins for DIY enthusiasts, perfect for everything from baby blankets to wall hangings.
Complementing the fibre is our curated collection of homestead antiques—vintage milk cans, weathered wooden crates, and heirloom textiles sourced from Ontario's backroads. These pieces aren't mere decor; they're portals to simpler times, evoking the grit and grace of pioneer life. Together, they create a space that's equal parts cozy retreat and inspiration hub.
Why Stratford? This theatre town's creative pulse mirrors our own—vibrant, story-driven, and full of heart. Our retail space at [insert address] opens soon, inviting you to browse, sip herbal tea (infused with farm-fresh mint), and chat about your next project. And for those fall cravings, our sister site at dlfarmsalpaca.com beckons with guided tours amid the autumn foliage.
Join Our Flock
The Graham family's adventure is far from over—it's an invitation. Whether you're a fibre aficionado, an antique hunter, or simply someone who believes in the power of family-forged dreams, Adria Shop is your next chapter. Follow us on social for behind-the-scenes glimpses, harp serenades, and Emmy-worthy updates. Visit soon, and let us wrap you in the warmth of Lucknow's legacy.
With gratitude from the fields,
The Graham Family
