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This item is available for backorder and will ship within 6 to 8 weeks.Read more
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About
Artisan Ana Fernandez of Peru designs this men's long-sleeve pullover sweater made from luxuriously soft 100% alpaca wool with a quarter-zip collar. The sweater features dark blue sleeves and a multicolored torso in a variety of geometric patterns inspired by traditional motifs.
About her designs, the artisan says, "For me, designing is a fusion of ideas. I blend fashion trends with my own favorite sources of inspiration, which are Victorian textiles and our Peruvian culture. I love designing apparel of alpaca wool and cotton because this really makes a contribution to society. It lets me give jobs to local people, especially women who want to get ahead and move to central Peru seeking a better future."
Product details
- 100% Alpaca
- Dry cleaning recommended
- Dry clean or hand wash in cold water
- Textile softness: Soft--this item has been made with fibers that are soft to the touch
- 0.45 kgs
- 1.0 lbs
- Size: L
- Size: L
Meet the artist
"For me, designing is a fusion of ideas."
"I was born February 13, 1984 in the sierra of Huánuco, where I grew up with my six brothers and sisters. From an early age, our parents taught us to be proud of our origins, to live simply and realize the value of work as a way to get ahead in life. My father was orphaned as a boy and he has worked hard ever since.
"I remember when I was seven, my family took part in the traditional town fiestas that celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. There are special church services and performances by the masked dancers of La cofradía de los negritos de Huánuco who wear velvet costumes embroidered with strands of silver and gold. Some years later, my parents wanted us to know more about these dancers and took us to their village where we were delighted by the customs.
"The townspeople were quite ingenious in creating their clothing and for the first time in my life, I saw how a fiber becomes yarn that is transformed into a warm sweater. Mothers knit the sweaters themselves for their loved ones, knitting virgin wool in the wonderful combinations of colors and textures they learned from their own moms. I also saw how they wove blankets on a handloom, then used these to wrap their babies and carry them on their backs as the women worked in the fields while taking care of their children.
"When I was a girl, my mother noticed that I liked design, so she took me to different workshops where I could practice drawing and painting. When I finished school, I planned to study graphic design but when I learned we had a fashion institute, I decided to change my major.
"I enrolled and began learning the basics of fashion design while, at the same time, studying international commerce. But I didn't finish, because I had to find work.
"Over the following years, I worked for several textile businesses that created apparel with natural fiber fabrics, and I fell in love with knitted and crocheted designs. You can do so much with the most varied stitches!
"When I discovered my passion for knits, I decided to follow my dream of working on my own. I met my business partner, Juan Carlos, who had a lot of experience in operating a textile workshop. We decided to work together.
"At first, we created styles for babies and children. Then we branched into alpaca wool and cotton clothing for adults.
"For me, designing is a fusion of ideas. It begins with the creative stage that blends fashion trends with my own favorite sources of inspiration, which are Victorian textiles and our Peruvian culture. In my designs, these influences result in colorful apparel in geometric and paisley motifs created with different knitting techniques. The cut enhances the beauty of each design.
"I love designing apparel of alpaca wool and cotton because this really makes a contribution to society. It lets me give jobs to local people, especially women who want to get ahead and move to central Peru seeking a better future.
"Thanks to all of you who appreciate my designs. Each one is the work of a team of more than 20 artisans who collaborate with me. It is their effort and dedication that make it possible for you to enjoy beautiful knitted clothing with unique handcrafted details."
This item was handmade in The Andes by NOVICA artisan borrowers. Kiva lenders have helped these artisans stock up on materials, buy more tools and grow their businesses.
This item qualifies for FREE SHIPPING!
- Only valid on the Normal shipping option for shipments to 48 Lower US states.
- Discounted shipping price may not be applied to previous orders.
This item ships with a free artist storycard, so you can remember who you impacted today. Customized gift messages are also available with every order.
We want you to be 100% satified with your order, so if you are not completely happy with your item, you can return it within 60 days of receiving it.
Return instructions
We pack, ship, certify and 100% guarantee the quality of this item. Watch this video to see how.
This item is available for backorder and will ship within 2 to 4 weeks. Artists love to get backorders. Placing a backorder ensures that the artisan will do their best to create and deliver your item to our local office for shipment.
Although we cannot guarantee availability, we do expect to be able to fill the order within the timeframe indicated. But sometimes life happens - special materials may not be immediately available to the artist, or there might be some other circumstance beyond our control that could delay the shipment.
If for any reason we are unable to ship the item within the timeframe indicated, we will notify you.
This item has a special shipping flat fee which means that due to bulk, duties, or other special requirements, the item will be shipped to you via one of our special one-rate services. Shipping is only available to the United States (lower 48 States only).
Download our printable ring sizing chart to find the perfect fit!
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We refer to these items as "discounted wholesale". Such items carry a deeper wholesale discount than other items, and have greater potential to provide your business with healthier resale margins.
Triple 'Win' Pricing
Kiva Store offers triple win pricing, where YOU the consumer, Children from around the world, and Artisans all benefit.
WIN # 1 You Save!
Handmade goods from developing nations usually pass through a series of intermediaries before being purchased by retail consumers. Each of these intermediaries adds cost to the product, and that cost is passed on to the customer. The U.S. Fund for Kiva partnered with NOVICA, who works directly with artists through their regional offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America, allowing purchases from Kiva Store to go directly from the artisans to fulfilling customer orders. By skipping steps in the traditional supply chain, you can buy high quality items for less than the regular retail prices.
WIN # 2 Children Benefit!
Each item purchased from Kiva Store will benefit Kiva's programmes that provide lifesaving nutrition, medicine, education, clean water, emergency relief and more to children in need.
You can learn more about Kiva's work, on About Kiva.
WIN # 3 Artisans Profit!
Kiva Store artisans set their own prices and control their own businesses. Kiva Store offers artisans a free platform to sell their work throughout the United States.
Turn your gift-giving into an art form with our new premium gift wrapping service!
Delivering a beautiful handmade treasure, wrapped by hand in exquisite packaging will make your gifts truly unforgettable.
Above all, it's EASY! Just select the premium gift wrapping option during checkout and we do the rest. No more last minute worries about presentation - your gifts will be the best dressed every time!
Most premium gift wrap is only $3.95 - $5.95 per item.
Triple 'Win' Pricing
Kiva Store offers triple win pricing, where YOU the consumer, Children from around the world, and Artisans all benefit.
WIN # 1 You Save!
Handmade goods from developing nations usually pass through a series of intermediaries before being purchased by retail consumers. Each of these intermediaries adds cost to the product, and that cost is passed on to the customer. The U.S. Fund for Kiva partnered with NOVICA, who works directly with artists through their regional offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America, allowing purchases from Kiva Store to go directly from the artisans to fulfilling customer orders. By skipping steps in the traditional supply chain, you can buy high quality items for less than the regular retail prices.
WIN # 2 Children Benefit!
Each item purchased from Kiva Store will benefit Kiva's programmes that provide lifesaving nutrition, medicine, education, clean water, emergency relief and more to children in need.
You can learn more about Kiva's work, on About Kiva.
WIN # 3 Artisans Profit!
Kiva Store artisans set their own prices and control their own businesses. Kiva Store offers artisans a free platform to sell their work throughout the United States.