I was provided alpaca scarves for the post by Latina Bloggers Connect and Heifer International. All opinions are 100% my own. Alpaca yarn has to be one of the softest yarns I've ever felt and it's very comfortable to wear. I recently received a hand-crafted alpaca scarf from Heifer International and immediately Katie snatched one up! This 100% alpaca scarf is warm, lightweight, and has a classic yet modern look, great for men or women. Today's we're sharing three ways to style a scarf like this plus how you can give a unique gift this holiday season – the gift of empowerment in the name of someone you love. This alpaca scarf was handmade by women in Peru as part of a program with Heifer International to empower families to turn hunger and poverty into hope and prosperity by helping communities and delivering sustainable agriculture and commerce to areas with a long history of poverty. Read on to see how you can buy holiday gifts from Heifer International to support communities around the globe and learn what the Pass on the Gift® program is all about.
Photo by Tres Alpaquitas
How Heifer International help empower families to turn hunger and poverty into hope
I first learned about Heifer International when Ana Flores of Latina Bloggers Connect visited Malawi with Heifer International and witnessed the difference and opportunities Heifer’s programs create. She shared these over social media and I was totally in awe of what Heifer International is doing around the world. It all starts with the gift of a sheep or a goat or a flock of geese. The animals that are gifted provide communities with food and reliable income, as agricultural products such as milk, eggs and honey can be traded or sold at market. When many families gain a new sustainable income brings new opportunities for building schools, creating agricultural cooperatives, forming community savings and funding small businesses. Heifer International even provides technology training to communities so they can take their hand-crafted wares to market online.
Photo by Tres Alpaquitas
Hand-crafted alpaca scarves from Peru made possible by Heifer International
This specific hand-crafted alpaca scarf that I received was made by a women’s group in Marcapata near Cusco, Perú. The group is funded by Heifer International – you can see photos of the operation and order online here: Tres Alpaquitas. See more photos of the workshop in this post I found by Love Taza during her November 2015 visit to the Tres Alpaquitas shop in Peru.
Photo by Tres Alpaquitas
Three ways to wear a hand-crafted alpaca scarf this holiday season
Since winter is upon us, we decided to share 3 ways you can style a hand-crafted alpaca scarf to stay warm and look stylish this holiday season. You can purchase these scarves direct from the artisans who make them or you can give the gift of support through Heifer International by giving a donation of a heifer, stove, or other essential need to empower these communities to succeed on their own. Here's another idea – buy the scarf and then make a donation, including an “honor card” from Heifer International sharing the charitable donation you make in your loved one's name. Any which way you tie it, it's a gift that has so much meaning and impact!
Choker Scarf
Modeled and Styled by Katie Priest of http://threemintballoons.com
To create this look, put the scarf on back wards.
Modeled and Styled by Katie Priest of http://threemintballoons.com
Then flip the ends towards the front so the scarf wraps around your neck. Loosen the part across the front of your neck and fluff to make a nice warm pocket of air around your neck.
Faux infinity scarf
Modeled and Styled by Katie Priest of http://threemintballoons.com
Get the look of an infinity scarf from a traditional scarf. Hang the scarf around your neck so the two ends hang down in front. Wrap the ends around each other, tucking the fringe in underneath the rolled scarf.
Woven Loop Scarf
Modeled and Styled by Katie Priest of http://threemintballoons.com
This techniques makes the scarf look braided together. Fold the scarf in half, Hang the scarf around your neck with the loop end on the left and the fringe ends on the right. Thread one fringe end through the loop and out the back. Thread the other fringe end from under the loop, out the front. Pull to tighten.
Modeled and Styled by Katie Priest of http://threemintballoons.com
Photo by Tres Alpaquitas
This holiday season, be sure to check out the Heifer Holiday Catalog to give a holiday gift that also gives a life-changing gift to a family in need, halfway around the world. You can also choose to donate animals or support other sustainable projects through charitable donations. Which would you give? Tell me in the comments…
Thanks so much for stopping by today.
THANKS for the detailed info for a hand-knit Infinity alpaca scarf made by local women in PERU and for sale in the Heifer Holiday catalog. I love the bright green color. Also I like the modeling of several ways to style the scarf. Sarah Helene in Minneapolis
These are some interesting ways to wear a scarf. I have never really tried wearing one, but my mom loves them, so I will share this with her.
I love Heifer International. I every year I donate money to Heifer in my client’s name. It’s a great organization!
That is such a beautiful scarf — and a great cause! I could really use the scarf styling tips too, especially living in Pennsylvania with our super cold winters.
Thank you so much!