Dateline: Cincinnati, Ohio, October 26th and 27th. Friday dawned clear and cool; a beautiful day to begin our yearly sales event; selling the hand-knitted Alpaca sweaters made by the women’s cooperative in Manazo, Puno, Peru.

Cathy Colque, who for the past three years has been coordinating the Cincinnati sale at Regina Hall located on historic Mt. Saint Joseph, the Mother House for the Sisters of Charity, arrived at 8:30am to set out the road signs pointing the way for the public to follow, although many of our visitors already knew the way! In the Hall, Lynne Dudley, of Martinsville, Virginia, was busy working with Sister Mary Barbara, opening boxes and arranging the sweaters and crafts on the tables in an eye-catching array.

Our Cute Little Model in Headband and Finger Puppets!

Shortly thereafter, Mary E. (Betty) Rensing arrived to help organize the volunteers who began to present themselves. Everyone worked as a team, assembling the tables and arranging the sweaters and crafts, in anticipation of the first day of our 2-day sale to begin. We didn’t have long to wait! Soon the Hall began to fill with Sisters of Charity and lay people alike, all intent on selecting an item or two to purchase.

One of our distinguished guests was “Barbro,” the creator of Barbero, an elegant new cardigan style that is available in Burgundy with Black trim, Ecru with Beige trim and Light Blue with darker Blue trim, making the decision that much more difficult! I was able to convince her to model one of her sweaters for us, taking her picture against the backdrop of a side yard of the Mount. She is a very energetic little lady who is originally from Sweden and informed me that “one couldn’t buy the wool to make a sweater like one of ours for the price we ask.” As an expert knitter who has designed and executed many, many sweaters, she would know!

Barbro in Barbero

By the end of the day, we had sold many sweaters and hand crafts; the fanny packs and water bottle holders going very well for their first year out, the colorful place mats and aprons selling out completely. We closed shop and looked forward to Saturday.

Awakening to a cold a drizzly morning (just right for sweater sales), we reopened the doors at 9:30am. Soon people began to come as they had on Friday. Betty took her place at the front table and the new group of volunteers went to work replenishing stock and greeting the shoppers. As had happened on Friday, many people were thrilled to see and visit with Sister Mary Barbara who was obviously equally pleased to have opportunity to see them. There was a marvelous aura of camaraderie and friendship permeating the Hall, a special “bond” born from years of association and commitment. It was uplifting to share in the experience of being around so many people who appreciate the reason for these sales, who are mindful of the dedication and pride of the individual whose picture accompanies her handiwork. Everyone, whether customer or volunteer, was there to support the efforts of the Artesania Pachamama, giving generously of time, money and spirit to maintain the livelihood of this brave group of women in Peru. Thanks to all of you who participated in this event, we can proudly announce that the 2007 Cincinnati sales surpassed the 2006 mark, realizing more than $10,000.00 in total sales! It goes without saying that 100% of these proceeds will be wisely spent by the Andean community who entrust us with their livelihood.
It is my hope that all of you who participated in that weekend, whether through a purchase, or by the giving of your time, or both, that you will read this article and realize just how valuable you are. Thank you, for ALL you do and may God Bless!

For more pictures of Cincinnati, go to: http://www.perusweaters.org/image/tid/34
Pam Rohlman,
Director of Operations
Artesania Pachamama SA