Hand Knitted Safari Babies

by a women's group in Kenya, Africa

These adorable toys are created by rural Kenyan women near the village of Njoro.

One group hand-spins wool from local sheep on old bicycle wheels; another colors it with natural plant dyes; and a third hand knits these unique toys.

Started in 1999 with just 12 local women, there are now 300 spinners, 50 dyers and 200 knitters who receive fair wages for their work.

The wool comes naturally in cream, browns and greys and part of the charm of the products are the many different shades - the same as those of the multi-colored flocks of local sheep!

In addition to generating salaries for its employees, all of the co-operative’s profits generate additional benefits for workers - literacy programs, eye exams and eyeglasses, health facilities and better equipment.

 The money goes directly into the hands of the women who work as they have time from home, and are thus able to improve the quality of their lives.

 Hand wash, warm water, squeeze gently & air dry.
Acrylic filling.

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