The Mirasol Project supports local communities in Peru through the sales of the Mirasol Yarn Collection, which includes yarn made from the animals tended by these communities for generations in the Peruvian highlands. The Project is funding a boarding-house for the children of the alpaca shepherds, where they can receive good food, accommodation and support in education.
The Project is named after a young Quechua girl who, with her brother, tends 350 alpacas. Its aim is to fight poverty and encourage community development. It is based on Fairtrade: this guarantees that disadvantaged producers in the developing world get a better deal for their products. The producers receive a price that covers the cost of sustainable production plus an extra premium that is invested in social or economic development projects such as the Mirasol Project. See www.mirasolperu.com for more information.
If a colour isn't listed in the drop down box, it means we're out of stock. Just drop me an email and let me know what you're after and I'll see what I can do.
There are a few new colours that don't have a picture - with a little luck, those images should be winging their way to me. Make sure you come back and check them out - the new colours are gorgeous.
Samp'a
100% Naturally Dyed Organic Cotton
DISCONTINUED - we are disappointed to say that Mirasol have decided not to continue making this lovely cotton yarn. Samp'a is the only yarn in the range not actually produced in Peru - it's spun in Holland, but a portion of every purchase is dedicated directly to the Mirasol Project.
We've still got decent stocks of most colours, except for the White Mulberry, but grab it whilst you can!
Sixteen natural colours in a smooth soft organic yarn, and only £3.50 a ball.
Samp'a knits up on 4mm needles to a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows, with 110m/120yards in each ball.
Sulka
60% Merino, 20% Alpaca & 20% Silk
This stuff is divine - fabulously tactile and knits up into a fabric with a wonderful drape.
The silk gives Sulka a fine sheen that brings the colours alive, even in the darker shades. (Personal favourite would have to be 203/Wine - that's the first 203. The second 203 should be 208...).
Sulka knits to a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rows on 6mm needles. There are 50m/55yards in each single ply 50g skein.
£4.95 per skein, making this a truly affordable luxury.
Miski
100% Baby Llama
How to begin to describe the softness that is Miski? There aren't the words in the English language.
Think incredible, downy, squishy, kitten soft and light as a feather.
It knits to a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows on 5mm needles, with 75m/82 yards in each smooshy skein.
Only £4.95 a skein, and a good chunk of that goes straight to the people who made it.
