Handmade in Nepal
With autumn weather just around the corner we thought it would be nice to let you in on a little secret. We know where to get the best handmade wool sweaters, hats, gloves and scarves. There is a funky little store on Dana Street that is packed full of handmade clothing and crafts from Nepal, Tibet and India. Alpine World has boiled wool elf slippers, bracelets made from wool beads, handmade sweaters and hats that are dyed with 100% vegetable dye, and tons of other items that are one of a kind. We love the long, skinny scarves that make you look like you have a string of flowers around your neck! You’re going to be cold within the next few weeks and we want you to be toasty warm in fuzzy woolen goods that are super hip!
The owners, Iswor Sapkota and Tilak Gurung, are from Nepal. Iswor’s family is in the wool distribution business. His family collects wool from ranchers and takes it to the homes of mountain people who hand knit it into sweaters and caps. There is no factory, just people knitting in their homes.
Look for the special bags at Alpine World that are made by a group of women in Nepal who are learning vocational skills. The Fair Trade organization is called “Women’s Skills Development Project Pokhara” and the women hand dye the cotton, dry it in the sun, weave it into fabric on looms in their homes, and then sew it into the high-quality bags.
Alpine World also has beautiful handmade bronze Singing Bowls for meditation. They come in various sizes and each has a different tone. They also have a fine selection of handmade sterling silver jewelry and all kinds of intricate little Buddhist figures. 
We just love this place so check it out and let’s all support Fair Trade products and independent local businesses.
[...] I’ve already mentioned on this blog that are worth keeping in mind while holiday shopping are Alpine World Gifts, Savvy Cellar and Artisan Wine Depot. I think that all of those establishments are interesting [...]
i love this little place. the stuff is super cute and fun and the people are great!
…a great place to find unusual and affordable gifts!! (In fact, I’ve been finding all sorts of gifts for myself there, but I promise, I’ll get some gems for other people soon!!)
I was in this store last week. These guys are so cool and they are from the Mountain region in Nepal. I found that most of the products are hand made, which I really love. They have also have nice dresses, silver jewelry, Buddhist items, yoga supplies, singing bowls, and beautiful felt goods… Man! You will find gorgeous stuff there.
John
San Carlos.
Wau!!! I didn’t know this store… I can’t wait to go there
i love this store… will be taking my granddaughter there next time she is in town
This is great! I had no idea there was such a store in Mountain View. I’ll definitely need to go see for myself.