High in the Bolivian Andes—some 3,500 meters above sea level and a four-hour drive from the nearest major town—resides Andina Warmis (meaning “Andean Women” in Quechua), a remarkable community of Quechua women weavers.

This inspiring group began in 2015 as an initiative by the Community of Saint Paul to revive a fading local weaving tradition and provide women with a reliable source of income. Initially, many local women were hesitant, wondering if the workshops would truly translate into a sustainable livelihood. Hiring a master weaver from a nearby town, the project started small, using a single knitting machine and yarn, now a large pedal loom and alpaca yarn sourced from a cooperative in La Paz allow the group to expand their work.


While this area of the high Andes once boasted a rich, vibrant weaving culture, much of that heritage had been lost over generations as families shifted their focus strictly to agricultural work.

Now, more than a decade later, the initiative has grown immensely. Equipped with four knitting machines and a pedal loom, the group has expanded to over 40 women of all ages. But Andina Warmis has become much more than just a workspace or a training program. For these women, it is a sanctuary—a safe, supportive environment to share stories, grow together, and, above all, a place to simply be themselves.


“Antes no tenía mi platita propia ni trabajito, dependía solo de lo poco que traía mi esposo y a veces no alcanzaba para la casa. Ahora en el taller aprendí a tejer en el telar, gano mi dinerito para la comidita de mis hijos y me siento más segura y tranquila.” - Máxima
“Before, I didn’t have my own money or a job; I relied solely on the little my husband brought home, and sometimes it wasn’t enough for the household. Now, at the workshop, I’ve learned to weave on a loom; I earn money for my children’s food, and I feel more secure and at ease.” – Máxima


“Aprendí a manejar los telares y a hacer prendas bien bonitas de lana que antes no sabía. Para mí lo más lindo fue salir de la casa, encontrarnos entre compañeras, aprender a organizarnos y juntas sacar adelante nuestros tejidos.” - Maribel
“I learned to operate the looms and create beautiful wool garments—things I didn’t know how to do before. For me, the best part was getting out of the house, meeting up with the other women, learning how to organize ourselves, and moving our weaving work forward together.” – Maribel


“El momento que nunca me voy a olvidar fue cuando vendí mi primera prenda. Sentí una alegría grandota y mucho orgullo al ver que lo que hago con mis manos sí vale y que a la gente le gusta.” - Noemí
“A moment I’ll never forget was when I sold my first piece. I felt such immense joy and pride seeing that what I create with my own hands truly has value and that people like it.” – Noemí


We are deeply honored and excited to bring the work of the Andina Warmis into our shop with a curated collection of alpaca throws, expertly woven on their pedal loom. Crafted from alpaca yarn, these pieces feature an incredible hand, beautiful drape, and comforting weight—making them the ultimate home accessory for cooling autumn temperatures.

Explore the collection both in-store and online to bring a piece of this incredible Andean heritage into your space!