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Baby Alpaca Yarn
El Alto is one of the world's highest cities where the crystal clear mountain air and bustling Andean culture lend it an other-worldly feel. It's here that a small cooperative process the wool from their own alpacas using 19th century British machinery and turn it into our beautiful soft baby alpaca wool. Baby alpaca is a high grade alpaca similar to cashmere whose fibres are as fine as 18 micros - this makes it super soft to the touch and gentle on children's skin.
Waddler Knitters
Not far from where the yarn is made, small groups of men and women hand knit the yarn into Waddler designs. The knitters draw on Andean textile traditions handed down over generations to produce well made and durable clothing. At Waddler we ensure they receive a decent wage (more than 3 times the minimum wage) and because of this many have been able send their kids to school, buy household goods like washing machines and generally improve their often basic living conditions.
Lima
In this vibrant South America city where past and present are inextricably mixed, our organic and naturally died pima cotton is woven and knitted into Waddler shirts and t-shirts. Lima has possibly some of the best food we've ever eaten, we recommend checking out anything by chef and restaurateur Gaston Acurio. And sharing a jug of chica morado with the kids while watching the sun set over the sea makes a perfect end to the day.
Jujuy
Towering multicoloured ridges stand in defiance against the altiplano sun that bleaches everything else to ghostly hues. An inspirational riot of colours.
Salta
Our adventures living here for a year inspired the Waddler lifestyle. Our son spent his first years picking avocadoes in a tropical garden, riding bareback with gauchos and eating delicious empanadas. He saw the forests come alive with Ceibo blossom in the winter, watched fireflies light up his bedroom in spring and clapped his hands at alligators lazing in the hot summer sun. Our clothes are inspired by the magic of this life.
Tafi
Crisp clean air and rolling grasslands, perfect for the ultimate wild family horse riding adventure in stunning landscapes. Drop a line to our good friend Hugh at www.macdermottsargentina.com
Buenos Aires
A city of passion, colour and wonderful people. For the South American family trip of a lifetime, get in touch with our good BA based friend Harry at www.plansouthamerica.com. Waddler tip: go to Mataderos market on a Sunday to experience old world Argentina and the best empanadas in town.
Bahia
Our latest adventure, yet to be told.
Alpacas
For thousands of years Alpaca's have grazed the Andean altiplano and the local people have sheared their fleece to make clothing for protection against the cold conditions. Uniquely adapted to this harsh climate the hollow structure of Alpaca fibre maintains body heat in even the coldest temperatures - a feature passed on in Waddler clothes. The alpaca is also an environmentally positive creature. It doesn't over graze and it's padded feet don't damage fragile eco systems. And the few young Alpacas who don't make it through the natural rigours of the foaling season provide us with our ethical fur.
