Since then, that same group of women has developed in 17 cooperatives and a non-profit organization. Thanks to its dedicated and passion for making a true difference for local communities, Manos has become the second most beloved business by Uruguay locals, right behind the country’s only national dairy cooperative. All Manos’ yarn is grown, spun and dyed right in these cooperatives. The company is also well-known for its knitted garments, which are made from start to finish of these yarns in the same cooperatives. You can buy these breathtaking garments in stores all over the world (you know, if you don’t feel like knitting or crochet – HA). Manos also manufactures private label garments for brands like J Crew, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karen, Victoria’s Secret, Banana Republic, and the Peruvian Connection. Though their goods are not certified organic, the immense amount of local production is cause alone to want to buy Manos Del Uruguay’s fibers – it also doesn’t hurt that their yarns will stop you in your tracks when you see them in-person. I bought three hanks of their Cotton Stria yarn in Saffron at my favorite local yarn shop (shout out to San Francisco’s ImagiKnit – you rock!) and … well … I can’t stop staring at it. The color is so vivid that it entrances my eyes and is more than pleasing to my fingers as I knit with it. In addition to their smooth Cotton Stria, Manos offers both solid and multi-colored hand spun wool and silk yarns. The collection of colors that I have found for their silk blends is much smaller than the colossal options available in wool (Purl Soho has 72 solid different shades!). [Image courtesy of Purl Soho; Handspun Multi Colors in 100% wool (merino & corriedale blend) in “Bramble”] Who makes your favorite sustainable yarns? Which natural fiber is your favorite to work with? (i.e. cotton, wool, bamboo, hemp … etc.) Let us know what you love to create with and we might feature them in the next installment of Yearn-Worthy Yarns!
