{"title":"Handspun Hope | Naturally Dyed Yarn by a Rwandan Women's Cooperative","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eHandspun Hope is a women's cooperative whose yarns begin in unexpected places. The cotton is handspun in Ethiopia, then plied and naturally dyed in Rwanda. The Borocera silk — a wild silk native to Madagascar — is handspun there and dyed in Rwanda. The angora and merino blend comes from bunnies and sheep that live and graze at the cooperative itself. Each fiber has its own origin, but they share a throughline: fair-trade wages, natural plant dyes, and women's hands that know exactly what they're doing. \u003cbr\u003eWe carry Handspun Hope because the stories behind the yarn are as extraordinary as the yarn itself.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"handspun-hope-cotton","title":"Handspun Hope Cotton","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis lovely cotton yarn is laboriously handspun on a drop spindle in Ethiopia by women working for a small cooperative comprised of single mothers.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe yarn is then imported into Rwanda where the ladies of Handspun Hope complete the process of dyeing it organically in the single-ply. Once the yarn is dry, the spinners then ply the yarn with spinning wheels into a  two-ply yarn. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTake a look at the process \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/stringtheoryyarncompany.com\/blogs\/yarn-stories\/it-takes-lots-of-hands-to-make-handspun-hope-cotton\"\u003ehere.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to the characteristics of this naturally hand-dyed yarn, the actual color may vary between skeins. We recommend alternating skeins during knitting.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSport weight \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApprox 100 gm \/ 3.53 ox \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApprox 336 m \/ 368 yd \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHand wash  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDry flat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePattern Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/hipster-shawl\"\u003eHipster Shawl \u003c\/a\u003e- two skeins\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/projects\/stringtheoryge\/love-note\"\u003eLove Note\u003c\/a\u003e (sweater)\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/projects\/stringtheoryge\/evendoon-cardigan\"\u003eEvendoon Cardigan\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/ferry-ride-tank-top\"\u003eFerry Ride Tank Top\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/stromboli-2\"\u003eStromboli\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/caprock-2\"\u003eCaprock\u003c\/a\u003e - tee\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/voca-leaves-cowl\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVoca Leaves Cowl\u003c\/a\u003e - 1 skein\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/talsarnau-cowl\"\u003eTalsarnau Cowl \u003c\/a\u003e- 1 skein\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/simple-yet-effective\"\u003eSimple Yet Effective Cowl \u003c\/a\u003e- 1 skein\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/the-bessie-scarf\"\u003eThe Bessie Scarf\u003c\/a\u003e - 1 skein\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/may-i-borrow-this-please\"\u003eMay I Borrow This Please? \u003c\/a\u003eshawl- 1 skein\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/beloved-8\"\u003eBeloved Baby Bonnet \u003c\/a\u003e- 1 skein makes several\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/7-more-little-washcloths\"\u003e7 More Little Washcloths\u003c\/a\u003e - \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1 skein makes several\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/sakura-market-bag\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSakura Market bag\u003c\/a\u003e - 1 skein crochet\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/fika-cowl\"\u003eFika Cowl \u003c\/a\u003e- 1 skein crochet\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/shelby-washcloth\"\u003eShelby Washcloth \u003c\/a\u003e- 1 skein makes several crochet\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImpact\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/stringtheoryyarncompany.com\/blogs\/yarn-stories\/the-women-of-handspun-hope\"\u003eClick here\u003c\/a\u003e to learn how your purchase changes the lives of women in Rwanda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Handspun Hope","offers":[{"title":"salvi+natural","offer_id":45219913957590,"sku":"110712","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"voca peach+natural","offer_id":45219913924822,"sku":"110710","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"onionskin+pastel mimosa","offer_id":45219912384726,"sku":"110709","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"indigo+cosmos","offer_id":45219912253654,"sku":"110707","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"indigo+madder","offer_id":45219912188118,"sku":"110708","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"natural","offer_id":32587304566889,"sku":"120240","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"indigo","offer_id":32587304501353,"sku":"120238","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"madder root","offer_id":44316280684758,"sku":"109211","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cosmos","offer_id":46739479757014,"sku":"120237","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"fresh cosmos","offer_id":48250613563606,"sku":"110713","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0283\/8246\/2057\/files\/Screenshot_2024-07-07_at_2.32.53_PM.png?v=1720380806"},{"product_id":"hh-angora-blend","title":"Handspun Hope Angora blend","description":"\u003cp\u003eHumanely-sourced from their own flocks of bunnies and sheep, this 50\/50 blended sport weight is Handspun Hope's most luxurious yarn yet! This incredibly indulgent fluffiness has a silky and lightweight texture with a halo effect that becomes more apparent as it is handled.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe ladies of Handspun Hope carefully blend and hand spin the fibers into generous skeins of lavish sport weight yarn before it is hand dyed in baths created from primarily native Rwandan plants. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBecause their precious supply of angora fiber is limited, so is the availability of this incredible yarn. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSport weight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTonal, naturally dyed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApprox 100 grams \/ 3.53 oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApprox 230yds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHand wash \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDry flat in the shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not iron\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePattern Suggestions:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/zuzus-petals\"\u003eZuzu's Petals cowl\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/penny-gloves\"\u003ePenny Gloves  \u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/northbound-mitts-2\"\u003eNorthbound Mitts\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/fallberry-mitts\"\u003eFallberry Mitts\u003c\/a\u003e - free pattern\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/newhaven\"\u003eNew Haven hat\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/best-beret\"\u003eBest Beret\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/nova-scarf-2\"\u003eNova Scarf\u003c\/a\u003e - one skein\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/timberline-cowl\"\u003eTimberline Cowl\u003c\/a\u003e - two contrasting colors\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/smooth-sailing-11\"\u003eSmooth Sailing \u003c\/a\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e- two contrasting colors\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/simple-yet-effective\"\u003eSimple But Effective\u003c\/a\u003e - luxury on your neck\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/antiquity-cowl\"\u003eAntiquity Cowl\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/rift-7\"\u003eRift \u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/emsworth\"\u003eEmsworth\u003c\/a\u003e Vest\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/exception\"\u003eException \u003c\/a\u003e- crochet shawl\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/toy-bunny-6\"\u003eToy Bunny -\u003c\/a\u003e crochet\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/woodland-mitts-3\"\u003eWoodland Mitts\u003c\/a\u003e - crochet\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/everyday-people\"\u003eEveryday People\u003c\/a\u003e hat - crochet\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eImpact\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur goal in creating this fiber was to create an ethically and humanely sourced angora blend. Much of the world's angora is not created in such a manner. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur rabbits receive the very best possible care. Their spacious custom-created enclosures are imported from the U.S. and they are provided dry and safe shelter, high-protein feed, fresh vegetable snacks twice a day, and a 24-hour caregiver who resides with them. They are gently and carefully sheared every 90 days by our own staff member, a former barber. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRest assured, we love all of our animals and provide them with the best care so they can produce high-quality raw materials for the ladies working at Handspun Hope.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe height=\"360\" width=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/436879899?h=0d45b22d0d\" title=\"vimeo-player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Handspun Hope","offers":[{"title":"Onionskin","offer_id":37591243391165,"sku":"104622","price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Voca Blush","offer_id":46333620519126,"sku":"112039","price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Imigano","offer_id":46333620551894,"sku":"112040","price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bright Cochineal","offer_id":47603212845270,"sku":"113712","price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Rich Salvi","offer_id":47603212878038,"sku":"104225","price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Cosmos","offer_id":47603212910806,"sku":"113713","price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rich Topiary","offer_id":47603212943574,"sku":"113714","price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0283\/8246\/2057\/files\/penny_gloves_1980_5197d479-c724-4a1a-a312-41824d91c916.jpg?v=1701121212"},{"product_id":"handspun-hope-6-button-set","title":"Handspun Hope 6 Button Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese handcrafted cow-horn buttons are carved, one at a time by Handspun Hope partner, John Paul, in Kigali, Rwanda. A gorgeous and unique addition to any garment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet of 6 buttons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximately 1\"(2.54 cm) in diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 pierced holes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButtons range in color from white to gold to black, with most being a mixure of of all three colors. Add a note to your order, if you would like us to choose the lighter or darker ones and we will do our best to choose accordingly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Handspun Hope","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40335459451069,"sku":"hh6b","price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0283\/8246\/2057\/products\/handspun-hope-6-button-set-878918.jpg?v=1683132545"},{"product_id":"borocera-silk","title":"Borocera Silk","description":"\u003cp\u003eWild Borocera Silk is hand spun in the central highlands of Madagascar. This gorgeous \"thick and thin\" yarn is imported into Rwanda as a single ply. Then the women of Handspun Hope ply and hand-dye it organically with mostly native Rwandan plants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach skein is at least 109 yards and 50g, but because they are handspun, the weight of each skein will vary. When choosing a project, look for something that drapes and highlights the spectacular texture of the yarn.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePattern Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/ranunculus-3\"\u003eRanunculus\u003c\/a\u003e - (pictured)\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/sophie-shawl-2\"\u003eSophie Shawl \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/the-age-of-brass-and-steam-kerchief\"\u003eAge of Brass and Stea\u003c\/a\u003em\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/close-to-you\"\u003eClose to You\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/may-i-borrow-this-please\"\u003eMay I Borrow This Please?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/hipster-cowl\"\u003eHipster Cowl\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ravelry.com\/patterns\/library\/randomly-hopeful-kerchief\"\u003eRandomly Hopeful Kerchief (pictured)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColors may vary slightly from what you see on your screen.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImpact\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConservation initiatives focusing on Borocera silk empower local communities and the women of Voajanahary by providing them with an alternative source of income. Rather than resorting to logging or other ecologically damaging activities, women are taught sustainable sericulture techniques to cultivate and harvest silk cocoons, which they legally collect from Isalo National Park. This newfound economic opportunity has led to a shift in mindset, where local Malagasy people become guardians of the Tapia rainforests, protecting the very source of their livelihoods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWild Borocera silk is a shining example of how conservation and sustainability can go hand in hand. By harnessing the allure of this exquisite material, Malagasy women and men alike are preserving the Tapia rainforests and their inhabitants, enriching the lives of local communities, and promoting ethical practices on a global scale. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Handspun Hope","offers":[{"title":"Cosmos","offer_id":44387516711126,"sku":"109353","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Natural","offer_id":44387516743894,"sku":"109354","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rich Topiary","offer_id":44387516776662,"sku":"109355","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Voca Peach","offer_id":44387516809430,"sku":"109356","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Madder Root","offer_id":44387516842198,"sku":"109357","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black Mud","offer_id":46156669026518,"sku":"111719","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Nato Bark","offer_id":46156669059286,"sku":"111720","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Psiadia Leaves","offer_id":46156669092054,"sku":"111721","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Onionskin","offer_id":46156680298710,"sku":"111722","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0283\/8246\/2057\/products\/borocera-silk-716765.jpg?v=1690727334"},{"product_id":"peace-basket","title":"Peace Basket","description":"\u003cp\u003eCreated one at a time, our Peace Baskets are handwoven using a time-honored weaving technique. Starting in the center, artisans use a needle threaded with sweetgrass, and carefully wrap the fiber around sisal fiber. When the design changes, the needle is rethreaded with another piece of sweetgrass. Each basket can take up to a week to create.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have an assortment of colors and designs and will choose one just for you! There will be slight variations between each piece. We'll do our best to honor and special color requests noted on your order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHandcrafted in Rwanda from sweetgrass and sisal\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMeasures approximately 12\" in diameter x 3.5\" tall  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Handspun Hope","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47564260671702,"sku":"113711","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0283\/8246\/2057\/files\/61087ee7IMG_5418.jpg?v=1765166703"},{"product_id":"felted-soap","title":"Felted Soap","description":"\u003cp\u003eIndulge in luxury and sustainability with our unique felted organic soap from Handspun Hope. This soap, handcrafted with all-natural ingredients, is encased in soft, felted wool. The wool not only provides a rich, creamy lather but also gently exfoliates your skin, making it a perfect choice for those who care about the environment and their skin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e100% organic\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNatural exfoliant\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHypoallergenic\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLong-lasting\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAntibacterial\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1 bar, approximately 2.5 oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIngredients: coconut oil, coconut butter, soy oil, olive oil, eucalyptus oil, white clay, merino wool\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe soap bars are made in Rwanda by Kandaka Naturals, who give 30% of its profits to sponsor reusable sanitary pads for schoolgirls. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Handspun Hope","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47564261720278,"sku":"113710","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0283\/8246\/2057\/files\/4b0d6ef5Screenshot_7-12-2025_214633_hopeartisancollective.org.jpg?v=1765167071"}],"url":"https:\/\/stringtheoryyarncompany.com\/collections\/handspun-hope\/fiber_cotton.oembed","provider":"String Theory Yarn Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}