Pachamama has been working alongside local artisans in Nepal for 30 years, creating colourful, characterful, ethical woollen clothing and accessories. These are unique, slow-fashion winter garments. Everything is made by hand, made with skill and care, and made to be enjoyed for years to come. 

Much of Pachamama’s production is village-based, allowing knitters to work within their local communities and around family life, farming and other commitments. This helps maintain the community bonds which are so important in Nepal and keeps traditional skills flourishing locally. It provides a valuable additional source of income alongside farming and other work, helping to stop the drift to big cities in search of work. 

As a fair trade company Pachamama have strong working relationships with the knitters, and they take their responsibilities to them and their communities very seriously. When the recent floods hit, it caused one of the most destructive environmental crises in the region's recent history with a tragic loss of life, homes and livelihoods. Some companies would simply move production elsewhere in the event of a disaster, but fair trade companies have a commitment to support the people they work with in any way they can, and to keep production and livelihoods going. 

Media attention fades quickly, but rebuilding infrastructure takes years. Pachamama actively fund sustainable initiatives and children's relief charities in Nepal such as Net4kids and Right4Children, which have been heavily involved in helping local communities survive Nepal's economic and environmental hardships, and thrive.

So as the colder days come, and the Christmas season is upon us, support the people of Nepal by buying cosy hats, mitts and socks from Pachamama! Comfortable, practical and made to last, these are pieces to wear season after season – and to love for a very long time.