Blog
Product Feature: Meet the Hello Hope Tote Bag and Imani Collective
We are excited to introduce you to our latest addition to the Hope Artisan Collective: The Hello Hope tote! This simple and sweet bag just screams summer - with its’ fresh canvas body and just a hint of leather to add interest and warm things up a bit. There are so many things to love about this bag. Beyond the fresh, minimalistic style, we LOVE that it gives our supporters an opportunity to share the message behind Handspun Hope and the work God is doing in Rwanda. We guarantee, people will stop and ask you about...
Product Feature: Our Luxurious Angora/Merino Blend Yarn
We have built quite a devoted following for our hand-spun, organically-dyed, small-batch yarn. The colors are gorgeous and, whether you favor the 100% Ethiopian Cotton Yarn or our 100% Merino Yarn, you know it is incredibly soft and the Merino is surprisingly silky to the touch. But let us tell you, knitting friends, you haven’t felt true luxury until you’ve touched our newest addition to the Hope Artisan Collective online store - our Angora/Merino blend yarn! Made in a 50/50 blend of wool from our own flock of Merino sheep and that of the German Angora Rabbits we imported...
A COVID-19 Update and a Prayer Request
Dear Friends, As of this morning, there are now 1,105 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Rwanda and three deaths. The government is allowing our employees to return to work. We are so grateful for our staff in Rwanda who ensure everyone is practicing safe social distancing while at work and wearing masks. We have multiple washing/sanitizing stations set up throughout the property. Stateside, we are still unable to generate revenue through sales at trade shows, as large gatherings are not yet safe. OUR SOLE MEANS OF GENERATING INCOME FOR THE MINISTRY LIE IN SALES FROM...
Q&A with Designer, Sammy Abdella
Today’s Q&A is with Sammy Abdella, an artisan and expert leather craftsman working in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Sammy has been a friend of Handspun Hope for years and his beautiful bags have long been a staple of the Hope Artisan Collective. We want you to get know him and his business … welcome, Sammy! Q: Sammy, thank you for talking to us. How long have you been making your beautiful leather bags? Who taught you the craft? A: Since 2005. Ethiopia has a high quality and variety of leather because of climate and geographical conditions. When the...
A Q&A with In-Country Director, Simon Dufitumukiza
With Father’s Day fast approaching, we thought we would reach out to one of our favorite dads and the man who keeps everything running smoothly in Rwanda, In-Country Director, Simon Dufitumukiza. He keeps so many plates spinning at the cooperative and is a father of two. Please welcome Simon! Q: Simon, thank you for talking to us. Tell us how long you have worked for Handspun Hope? A: I have worked for Handspun Hope for over nine years. Originally, I came on as a Project Officer. Q: You do so much for Handspun Hope. What does...