A few months ago, I was introduced to some special handmade items from around the world, by a woman at my church who works with a children's school in Guatemala. She made a beautiful display of all sorts of lovely hand crafted items, and each item had information attatched about the artisan, and where my money would go, if I decided to make a purchase. It really got me thinking more about the way I give gifts. It left me asking myself, 'What is beautiful?' 'What is precious?' 'What is the purpose of giving, anyway?
When I came across Love 41, I knew I had found something beautiful. Not only are the items offered by Love 41 unique, the story behind why it was started and what it stands for is beautiful and inspiring. Founded in 2010 by Suzette Munson, Love 41 was born from a love of people. Suzette's eyes were deeply opened to the lives of the Rawandan people, after the 1994 genocide, which claimed over one million lives over 90 days of terror and slaughter. After spending time with the people of Rawanda, crying with them, hearing their stories, Suzette was consumed by them, and forever changed. Suzette always loved fashion, and had made up her mind that something had to be done to help those left behind. Through New Life Ministries, Suzette sponsored two boys, and Suzette had the idea to start a new business online, which would see that 100% of the profit would go to support the work of Africa New Life Ministries. The name Love 41 is derived from Psalm 41.
I was very excited to be able to partner with the Love 41 team, and showcase some of their items for the holidays. I knew that by sharing about their product, I would also be sharing about their story, and Suzette's mission of love.
Argentina Zigzag Hand Knit Sweater
I was thrilled to have been sent the gorgeous Argentina Zigzag Hand Knit Sweater by Love 41. This sweater is so beautiful and cozy, it has quickly become one of my favorite pieces! The sweater is handmade in Argentina, and each sweater takes two entire days to make. The details are bold, and amazing!
I was so excited to wear my new sweater from Love 41...
I paired the Argentina Zigzag Sweater with a red tee, skinny jeans and flats.
The zigzag design wraps around the entire sweater...
Fits like a shawl in the back, but it's also a cozy wrap sweater!
I love the mix of the red and white in this sweater, and the knit stitch is lovely. The zigzag reminds me of the Chevron print, which is so very popular these days. The sweater just wraps around my body, and I love it! It wears both like a shawl and a sweater. There are two small loops at the waist, which hold a braided rope belt to close the sweater. Sometimes I loop that across the back, and just wear it open, other times, I do tie it closed around the front... it just depends on what I'm doing.
Looks beautiful for the holidays, or for any time!
Comes down below the waist, covers the rear and looks so pretty!
The first time I wore the Argentina Zigzag Sweater from Love 41, I had a ton of people complimenting me on it, and asking where it came from, which allowed me to share the story of Love 41 and the lovely, caring Suzette. Everyone was touched by the meaning behind the name of the business, and why it was started in the first place. I had folks telling me that they couldn't wait to look for Love 41 online and read more about them, and take a look at their line of products, which really warmed my heart.
I have worn this sweater several times, with flats, with boots, and have loved each special look I have been able to create with it. My dad affectionately told me that I looked like a peppermint stick when he saw me wearing this. I just smiled and shared about the story of Love 41 with him, which he thought was so wonderful and kind.
My little model spin...
Features and Details of the Argentina Zigzag Hand Knit Sweater
(from Love 41)
Hand knitted
Braided belt with tassels
Consist of 100% cotton
Hand wash
Lay flat to dry
Takes approximately two days to make
Length of sweater is approximately 27-32” long depending on size ordered
Handmade in Argentina
Remember that Christmas when you were twelve and your grandmother gave you that hand-knitted shawl and your mom made you act like you were excited about it? Well this is definitely not THAT shawl! This gorgeous Zig Zag cardigan vest is hand made in Argentina by skilled garment makers that painstakingly take two days to make just a single sweater! It has a beautiful red and cream color combination and closes with a braided belt that ends in two tassels. The zigzag wraps around the back shoulder area making it look like you really are wearing a lovely scarf or shawl. I love the symbolism in this sweater. It reminds me of life's ups and downs but with pure (white) love (red), anything can be overcome.
Love 41 has so many beautiful items, which each tell a story of the promise of hope and love. Take a look at some of their other beautiful gift options...
Vintage Sari Jacket- made in India
Leather Mini Tote- made in Old Mexico
I am in love with Love 41, not only for their beautiful products, which are all handmade, but because the items purchased from Love 41 stand for something much more than what they actually are. Every purchase made is a step toward helping someone. Every dollar spent goes to Africa New Life Ministries, to support those who have been left behind since the Rawanda genocide of 1994. Instead of turning a blind eye to a country that was so savagely torn apart nearly twenty years ago, won't you please consider giving the gift of hope and love to these folks who so desperately need it? Anyone would be thrilled to receive one of these beautiful items from Love 41, and when they hear the story of Love 41, and how it supports others, they'll surely love the gift all the more!
Want to Learn More?
To learn more about Love 41 and its mission, please visit Suzette's blog.
Want It? Buy It!
To make a Love 41 purchase, please visit their website. You can also keep up with Love 41 through social media on Facebook and Twitter.
Want It? Win It!
One lucky MBP reader will win a pair of bulletshell earrings by Love 41. Our hope is that the giveaway winner will be able to share the Love 41 story, just as I have, by wearing the sweater I received. This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and older. Please use the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter for your chance to win.
Special thanks to Suzette and the wonderful folks at Love 41 for allowing me to experience this beautiful sweater, but mostly for allowing me to share the Love 41 story. We also thank Love 41 for offering this special giveaway for our readers.
Good luck!
farmers supply bead makers with artillery/bullet shells (from former war conflicts) that are found on their land
ReplyDeleteanything really they are all great products
ReplyDeleteFarmers get the shells from their land and they are used to make the products
ReplyDeleteJoni Owada sistermomy at hotmail dot com
In the Entoto Mountains, women suffering from HIV/AIDS put together the Raven & Lily exclusive jewelry. This helps in providing HIV care and educational opportunities for their entire family.
ReplyDeleteI would love to own the Bucket Bag! It is now officially on my Birthday Wish List!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised they have such cute things and such a great mission behind their country. The people they help make it such a wonderful cause and great company!
ReplyDeleteFarmers supply bead makers with bullet shells
ReplyDeleteI love the Barren Tree women's shirt.
ReplyDeletefarmers supply bead makers with artillery/bullet shells
ReplyDeleteI would really like to have the Lana Clutch Wallet. The quality of Love 41 products looks amazing. I cannot wait to save up some money and order this!
ReplyDeleteI learned that the money goes to Africa New Life Ministries to help those affected by the tragedy in Rwanda.
ReplyDeletewow love all the greatproducts, and its for a great cause!!
ReplyDeleteI learned that 100% of all profits go towards the work of Africa New Life Ministries!
ReplyDeleteAll their products are gorgeous, but right now I'm loving the Backpack tote!
ReplyDeleteFarmers provide the shells
ReplyDeleteI love that they give their profits to people in need. I love finding companies like this. They help make me know that there are still people out there who are good and care about others.
ReplyDelete