Where Tradition Begins
Magdina is the queen of hand knitting. Based near Lake Titicaca in southern Peru, she leads with warmth, skill and an unwavering commitment to preserving her ancestral craft. Working almost exclusively with 100 percent Baby Alpaca fibres, Magdina and her knitting groups produce some of La Sierra’s most loved pieces, from luxurious cable knit jumpers to mittens, beanies, gloves and socks. Her work is known for its softness, structure and quiet elegance.
How We Met
We met Magdina in November 2017 through a connection from our Alpaca fibre producers. When René and I visited her home for the first time, we were welcomed with her gentle, warm and calm energy. It was clear from the beginning that she was someone special.
A Rare Skill
Unlike many of our other artisan partners who work on looms or machines, Magdina’s expertise lies in hand knitting—an intricate and time-honoured skill. She and her husband, José, are also teachers. Together, they visit high schools to help pass down the art of hand knitting to younger generations, in hopes of keeping the tradition alive. It is a craft slowly fading across South America, and Magdina plays a vital role in ensuring its survival.
International Recognition
Her knowledge and skill have earned her regional awards and the opportunity to travel internationally. She has represented her community in Rome, exchanging knowledge with other global artisans, and in Brazil, where she helped local businesses refine their production techniques.
Supporting Her Local Community
Magdina lives in a multi-story family home near Lake Titicaca, where her daughter, son-in-law, and young grandson Paul live upstairs. On the ground floor, she has set up a small office that transforms every Wednesday into a warm, communal workspace. Here, a group of women from her town come together to knit, chat and connect.
In addition to this weekly gathering, Magdina also leads Suri Andino, a larger hand-knitting group that meets each Sunday at a shared clubhouse in the countryside, about an hour from town. As the leader of both groups, she organises the weekly work—distributing Baby Alpaca yarn, explaining patterns, teaching new techniques and supporting the women as they produce La Sierra’s hand-knitted collection.
These regular meetups are more than work sessions. They are moments of connection and mutual support, a space for women to share stories, laugh together and nurture community before taking their projects home to continue throughout the week.
Why We Love Working With Her
Magdina’s pieces are more than beautiful garments. They are part of a story, one of culture, care, and quiet strength. Her impact extends far beyond what is seen in the finished product. By choosing her work, you are supporting fair employment, generational knowledge, and a craft worth preserving.
We are proud to partner with Magdina. Her dedication, creativity and warmth reflect what La Sierra is truly about—connection, care, and thoughtful craftsmanship.
