However, enough of that because this blog is all about celebrating Fairtraded yarn which I am really passionate about, and specifically Manos Del Uruguay yarn, a women's co-operative and full member of the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO). They produce the most fantastic hand dyed yarns in a number of ranges, all of which I sell and knit with myself.
 |
| Beautiful beret knitted in Manos Maxima yarn |
When developing their products they looked to the natural materials that they had to hand, wool in particular, and also to use the traditional skills that they had inherited, of spinning dyeing and knitting. Today, Manos is a co-operative of 400 women, but during peak export periods, they are working with as many as 1200 women.
Manos Del Uruguay is a non for profit organisation, owned by the women within the co-operative with their main aim being to provide job opportunities for women in the countryside, making it possible for familes to stay together in their
villages rather than migrating to the main cities where they would have a poorer quality of life.
villages rather than migrating to the main cities where they would have a poorer quality of life.
You can tell the provenance of each hank of yarn that they make, because the person who dyed it signs the label. The colours of the yarn are absolutely fabulous and the secret lies in the patient kettle dyeing in small pots using precise colour recipes, which create striated colours and fantastic shading.
To find out more about Manos Yarns visit http://www.fairmountfibers.com/co-op or come and visit the Moss Stitch stall in Princes Risborough Market every Thursday. Quote 'Manos Fairtrade' to receive 10% off all Manos yarns until 14th March.
