Our Production Process

Ethical. Organic. Sustainable. By Hand.

The story of the Handspun Hope production process begins at the base of Mount Sabyinyo in northern Rwanda, continues at our center in nearby Musanze, and ends around the world in the homes of our customers.

 
 

From Sheep to Shawl

Step-by-Step

1. IT StartS WITH MERiNo SHeEP

Our herd of Merino sheep, the largest flock of Merino in Rwanda, are cared for around the clock by our farm manager and team of shepherds. We ensure the wool is grows until it is 3.5 inches long before shearing. This produces a loftier, softer fiber that is less abrasive than traditional Merino yarn.

2. WASHED + PREPARED by Hand

After shearing, the wool is transported to our facility where the women of Handspun Hope work. The wool is carefully sorted, washed, cleaned and—if used for yarn—combed into fluffy rolags, or rolls.

3. Handspun into Yarn

To make yarn, the ladies working for Handspun Hope feed rolags into a traditional spinning wheel, transforming it into a single-ply yarn. Two single-ply yarns are then reverse-fed back through the wheel, creating a skein of stunning two-ply yarn .

 

4. Organically dyed

Everyday, the women collect plant material around their worksite or on their walk to work in order to dye yarn or raw, clean wool. The vegetation is used to create 100% organic dye baths. Avocado pits, onionskins and Eucalyptus bark are some of the materials used to create our dye baths. These natural dyes create our earthy, natural color palette that represents the colors of Rwanda.

5. other FINISHED ProdUcts

Once the yarn or raw wool has been organically dyed, it is prepared for sale, to given to one of our finished product teams like the knitting and felting departments. Whether its a felted sculpture of handknit accessory each product is crafted with love and unique in execution and appearance.

6. FINISHED GOODS MARKETED TO BUYERS AND CUSTOMERS

Our yarn and finished goods are sold both in Rwanda, and in the U.S. via our online marketplace Hope Artisan Collective, as well as various markets and events.

 
 

Worth the wait.

From sheep to shawl, our knit products can take almost one year create. Your purchase is not only made with love, it also provides life-changing employment opportunities.

 
 

Our Commitment to Sustainability

We believe strongly in our responsibility to serve as good stewards of the earth.

We are committed to the practice of environmental and social sustainability. We minimize our impact through:

  • the installation and use of a rain water collection system, significantly reducing water consumption during our wool washing processes

  • the exclusive use of 100% organic and primarily plant-based dyes

  • the rotational grazing of our flock of Merino sheep in order to increase forage production and reduce soil compaction and erosion

  • the use of farm-produced manure for composting purposes

  • the support of local farmers through the purchase of supplemental grass when needed

 
 

See the finished product.

Visiting Rwanda? Stop by our gift shop at our center in Musanze. Or, shop online for our Fair Trade, organically dyed yarn, knit accessories + sculptures.

 

Wholesale Inquiries

Interested in empowering Rwandan women and carrying Handspun Hope products? We’d love to connect!