Manos del Uruguay Yarn Collection

Manos del Uruguay translates literally as Hands of Uruguay, and the name is meant exactly: this cooperative was founded in 1968 to bring steady work to women in the Uruguayan countryside, and it remains a member of the World Fair Trade Organisation today. Every skein is dyed by an individual artisan whose name appears on the label. Kettle dyeing in small pots gives the colours their depth, with semi-solid shades shifting subtly along each strand. The shop carries the plush merino single Maxima, the statement chunky Franca and mini skein sets of the silk and merino Fino.