A Handknitting Community in the Southern Andes
High in the southern Peruvian highlands, just beyond the shores of Lake Titicaca, a group of women gathers each week to do what their mothers and grandmothers once did, knit. But this isn’t just a pastime. It’s how they support their families and keep their skills alive.
Rooted in Tradition, Built on Community
Suri Andino began in 1998 as a grassroots initiative by local women to improve their families’ quality of life through craft. Over the years, it grew into a formally recognised association, dedicated entirely to hand knitting garments from 100 percent Baby Alpaca fibre using ancestral techniques.
In the decades since, their work has been nationally recognised, celebrated for excellence in hand knitting—a proud milestone for a small group with big dreams. Today, their vision continues: to blend elegance with tradition, promote fair trade, uplift local women, and honour the land and wisdom that sustain their craft.
A Visit to Remember
La Sierra’s relationship with Suri Andino began through Magdina, the group’s warm and gifted leader. Originally, the women met in Magdina’s home to receive yarn and instructions. But in recent years, they’ve moved into their own clubhouse in a nearby rural town, where they meet every Sunday to work together, learn, share and connect.
We were lucky enough to visit one of these gatherings in 2018, meeting over 30 of the women behind our handknitted range. Wanting to thank them for their beautiful work, we organised a small Christmas celebration and gifted each woman a traditional Panettone to enjoy with her family. At first, there was shyness—they weren’t used to having their photos taken or chatting with foreigners. But René, true to form, filled the room with laughter, and soon everyone felt al lot more comfortable and were laughing and sharing stories.
Crafting With Care, Creating With Purpose
Each Sunday, the women of Suri Andino come together to receive new knitting instructions from Magdina, collect materials, and share time in community. Some stay to knit together in the clubhouse, others return home with their projects, balancing their craft with the rhythm of daily life.
Each piece they make carries more than skill—it holds connection, care, and tradition. Supporting Suri Andino means supporting a network of women who are not only keeping their culture alive, but thriving. It is fashion rooted in heritage, strengthened by community, and sustained by love.
