“We take steps each day to inspire others to do good.”
KNOW ALL ALPACA KNITS PRODUCTS
SWEATERS, HATS, BEANIES, GLOVES, SCARFS, BLANKETS AND MORE
LOCALLY SOURCED MATERIALS
Peru has some of the worlds most renowned raw materials used for textiles, including the exceptionally warm Alpaca as well as the highest quality cotton. There exists an incredible variety of yarn qualities available in these fibers, as well as a wide range of blends with different synthetic fibers (acrylic, polyamide, nylon, viscose, modal) that can help achieve a desired effect in the style, such as improve the drape or structure, or also to help with costs.
It’s important to keep in mind that this variety makes it easy to comply with the Peruvian Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) which allows products made of Peruvian fibers and Peruvian handwork to enter to many countries with a reduction for duties or duty free as per the Trade Promotion Agreement that can have Peru and your country.
HANDMADE
MANY OF OUR PRODUCTS ARE HANDMADE
Use quality products, wear Alpaca.
Each region of Peru has vibrant artisanal traditions, passed down through generations. From the traditional embroidery of Huancayo, to the weavings of Ayacucho, Cusco and Puno, to the urban networks of Lima, every community is home to master artisans of unique techniques. Alpaca Knits honors this cultural heritage and hopes to support in its thriving by assisting in cross-cultural exchanges focused on creative design.
Artisan Partnerships
The tradition of weaving stretches back through 5,000 years of history in Peru, from the coastal cities of Paracas and Nazca to the high Andean peaks of Cusco and Ayacucho. Even today, back-strap weaving is an incredibly important component of identity in the high Andes, as much as traditional alpaca herding and the native Quechua language.
Woven textiles were an important measure of wealth, and played a central role in civil and religious ceremonies. Everything from the spin of the yarn and the symbols woven into the textiles, to the colors used and techniques employed, conveys a wealth of meaning about the weaver and where she came from.
We seek to revitalize cultural traditions by providing sustainable markets for these incredibly fine textiles.
Cross-Cultural Design Exchange:
Alpaca Knits offers emerging designers an exclusive opportunity to collaborate with Peruvian master artisans by connecting them to a national network of artisan associations and independent workshops. By matching emerging design students with master artisan leaders we hope to facilitate innovative knowledge exchange for participants – fostering cultural awareness, strengthening market linkages and creating lasting relationships that contribute to the ethical fashion movement.
Natural Fabric Dyes
A skilled Quechua woman demonstrating the use of cochineal beetles and other natural ingredients in dyeing wool. They are skilled weavers using traditional wooden hand looms and craft out beautifully weavedblankets, scarves, shawls, sweaters, beanies and babies' clothes.
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By removing every pain point and risk, we believe we can empower millions of people to launch their own products with the same quality and economies of scale as a major retail brand.