Fair Trade Yarns

One of our primary imports is Alpaca yarn, which is produced by a non-profit cooperative in Bolivia. This cooperative has trained between 800 and 1200 women to produce beautiful hand knit articles from this yarn. We also purchase hand knit sweaters, scarves, and other garments from various artisans and cooperatives in Latin America.

We also import yarns of Merino Wool, Pima Cotton, Pima Cotton/Silk, and Brushed Suri. Our patterns are obtained from various designers using our imported yarns. Recently we have broadened our reach by distributing products from several U.S. artisans.

T & C Imports/ Frog Tree Yarns practices Fair Trade by:

· Paying a fair price, a living wage, for the local community
· Providing equal employment opportunities for all people
· Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices
· Building long-term trade relationships with the producers and co-ops
· Not allowing forced labor or exploitative child labor
· Offering financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible

Primarily, women in developing countries produce our goods, 70% of all craft artisans are women. We strive to provide a way for women to provide for their families' basic needs and invest in community development, yet still be able to maintain their traditional lifestyles with dignity.

http://www.frogtreeyarns.com/index.html