About the Mirasol Project
The Mirasol Project was set up in 2006 to assist indigenous alpaca herding communities in the Puno region of the southern Peruvian Andes. This region is very poor, and historically there has been little in the way of educational opportunities or health care services for its people. The Project funds a boarding school and health services at the Mallkini ranch, which is owned and operated by the Michell family.
Originally from Great Britain, the Michells have been farming alpacas for three generations, and raise their flocks according to humane standards and with the care of the environment in mind.
To find out more about the project, go to http://www.mirasolperu.com/themirasolproject.htm.
The Mirasol Design Book 6: To see photos of some of the projects from this book please visit http://www.knittingfever.com/c/mirasol/book/735/
The Mirasol Design Book 7: To see photos of some of the projects from this book please visit http://www.knittingfever.com/c/mirasol/book/737/
About alpaca fiber: Alpaca fiber is unique in that it contains microscopic air pockets within its individual strands. This allows it to "breath" in warmer weather but also to create more warmth than wool in cooler temperatures. It is also elastic and non-flammable.