The Minkha Sweater Open House and Sale features garments hand knit by women in Bolivia to help their families.
“It’s a wonderful project for the women to be self-sufficient and allow their children to stay in school and the sweaters are beautiful,” said Bev Edwards-Sawatzky, who got involved in the project 10 years ago in Edmonton.
“Part of their culture is to knit but there is little tourism in the country and not much chance to sell their work. Save the Children volunteers market the sweaters on a non-profit basis and all the money is returned to the Minkha women.”
Minkha means women working together in the Quechan languages. The project was started in 1989 for women who had been relocated to the city of Cochabamba after mining stopped in the mountains.
“This will be the first sale in B.C. with scarves, hats, vests, sweaters, ponchos and coats available in alpaca wool or Peruvian pima cotton for women, men and children. People can also order custom-made items in their choice size, colour and style,” said Edwards-Sawatzky, who goes to Bolivia to meet with the knitters and work with them on colours, styles and designs for the North American market.
“This is green giving that keeps cycling back to the source. Gift yourself or someone else and gift the women who knit.”
The Minkha Sweater Open House and Sale takes place April 21 from 10 a.m. at the Winfield United Church at 3751 Woodsdale Road, Winfield. For more information call Edwards-Sawatzky at 250-548-6808 or see www.minkhasweaters.com.
