Why Handmade

In the frosty Russian winters, back in the day, my mother knitted warmth and comfort with her own hands. In a land where scarcity was the norm, self-sufficiency became a way of life. She knitted her own clothing, crafting not just garments but a testament to resourcefulness and creativity.

Then came the era of Perestroika, a time of upheaval and transformation. Faced with the winds of change, my mother made a life-altering decision. With her family, including her elderly parents, and just two suitcases in tow, she embarked on a journey of hope and resilience, seeking refuge in Kirgisien before finding sanctuary in Germany.

It was a stroke of fortune that her German ancestry paved the way for a seamless transition to Germany. Our family's story is one of survival, adaptation, and unwavering determination.

From the harsh winters of Russia to the welcoming embrace of Germany, this journey reflects the indomitable spirit of my mother and countless others who dared to dream of a better life. It reminds us that in the face of adversity, the human spirit can shine brightly, weaving tales of hope, courage, and the enduring pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.

 

 

Empowering Dreams, One Stitch at a Time

In the quiet threads of life, some of the most remarkable stories are woven. It's a tale of resilience, passion, and the universal language of creativity.

The East harbors some of the world's most talented knitters, each with a story etched in every stitch. Many of them, driven by the pursuit of dreams and the desire for a brighter future, sought refuge in a foreign land, Germany.

The path they tread, however, is not without thorns. Language barriers and the quest for belonging can be daunting obstacles. But beneath these challenges lies a relentless spirit, an unwavering commitment to craft, and a love for knitting that borders on addiction.

I understand this journey intimately, for I, too, once stood in their shoes. The allure of knitting is enchanting; it's a daily ritual, an obsession that brings solace. But it's also a passion that can sustain lives.

And so, I've embarked on a mission—to empower these gifted women, to offer them the chance to thrive doing what they love most. In my team, I've found three  souls who share this vision and support me on this journey.

But this is only the beginning. My dream is to spread this light even further, to create a haven where talented knitters can transform their passion into an income.

Together, let's craft a world where dreams are stitched into reality, where every knitted piece is a testament to resilience, and where the love for the craft weaves a tapestry of hope.

 

with Love
Karina Altergott