- It is recommended that the sweaters be dry cleaned, but each of these garments has been washed as part of its preparation to be delivered to you.
- Wash carefully by hand in cool water with a mild detergent or place the garment in a net bag and machine wash on gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry.
- Always store your sweater folded flat… Never hang.
These sweaters are knit in the knitters own homes where they still have the opportunity to fulfill their family responsibilities.
The revenue is sent to Bolivia through the offices of Save the Children Canada. Save the Children Canada revues the bookkeeping from our branches and Minkha Bolivia to ensure that each knitter is paid fairly.
Sweater production takes approximately three months. The order is added online and is immediately received by the office manager who then passes it onto the knitters. Once the sweater is completed, it is sent by DHL to Canada.
The cost of making a sweater depends on the amount of yarn the knitters use, therefore the larger the sweater, the more it will cost. The standard price for a sweater sized Petite to Large is $175 and every increase in size from here, costs an additional $10. (This may vary slightly depending on what city its sold). Length is also a factor. A standard mid-length coat will be an addition $25, $50 for knee length and $75 for full length (midi).
Web development and graphic design promotion is paid for through the generous dedication and support of Ellis Bartkiewicz. Ellis works directly and tirelessly with both the volunteers, Bolivian women knitters, as well as Melina, Minkha’s Office Manager.
Ellis was first introduced to Minkha Sweaters through her close friend, Kathleen Gleeson (Minkha co-founder) in 1996 when she visited Kathleen open house sweater sale. Since then Ellis has consistently traveled to Bolivia to photograph and video the knitters, where we get all of our beautiful images as seen by through the website and posters.
In 2006, Ellis’ commitment and dedication to create social change led her to study Spanish. She now regularly practices in group conversations discussing everything from South American folklore to food recipes.
