Reno, Nevada -- December 24, 2019 - Jimmy Beans Wool, a market-leading retailer of yarn and accessories for knitters and makers, and Madelinetosh, a producer of hand-dyed luxury yarn and daughter company of Jimmy Beans brands have joined forces with Knitters Against Malaria to help raise money for nets through donations to the Against Malaria Foundation (AMF). Initiated by knitwear designer Melanie Berg and Rosy Green Wool, Knitters Against Malaria is an effort of over 40 designers, yarn companies, publishers, and other members of the knitting community. To date, Knitters Against Malaria has raised over $13k in donations.
"I hope each knitter, maker, and business who contributes to the Knitters Against Malaria understands the important impact their donation makes," said Laura Zander, CEO of Jimmy Beans and Madelinetosh. "The awareness and education are crucial to this cause. We will literally be saving lives with the purchase of these insecticide-treated nets."
With the goal of raising as much money as possible, Madelinetosh has created and dyed a special custom colorway, cream with pops of bright pink and blue in their Pashmina yarn, a gorgeous blend of merino wool, silk, and cashmere in sport weight, named "Knitters Against Malaria." This limited edition batch of hand-dyed yarn is $38 per skein and will be sold exclusively on Jimmy Beans and Madelinetosh websites with 10% of sales donated to the AMF.
Knitters Against Malaria's mission is to raise awareness about this horrible disease. Malaria is preventable and treatable, yet the disease continues to claim nearly half a million lives a year, with more than 200 million falling ill per year. Most deaths occur in Africa and among children under five. Sleeping under an insecticide-treated net is one of the most effective ways to prevent malaria contraction. Before bed nets were made available, the number of yearly infections was almost three times higher. Even though more people at risk of malaria have access to this prevention tool than ever before, big gaps in coverage remain, especially in Africa. (Source: WHO)
The Knitters Against Malaria fundraiser is from December 24, 2019 - January 31, 2020. To donate and for a complete list of participating designers and companies, go to www.KnittersAgainstMalaria.org.
About Jimmy Beans Wool: At the downturn of the dotcom boom, former Silicon Valley engineers Laura and Doug Zander moved to the mountains and opened up a tiny yarn shop in Truckee, California. Jimmy, as Laura is lovingly known, sold coffee alongside the wool (hence the Beans in the name) and Jimmy Beans Wool was born. In 2004, the company settled down in Reno, Nevada where they currently reside today. They occupy an expansive 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse, are considered one of the country's leading destination yarn shops, employ 35 team members, and have built a loyal following and impressive online presence. Along with yarn, Jimmy Beans also provides consumers the most innovative crafting products and accessories, recently acquiring Namaste and della Q, two beloved companies amongst knitters, crocheters, and makers. Both companies sell popular designer handbags, project totes, organizers, accessories, and more. Jimmy Beans will continue to develop products under their patent pending Jimmy's SmartStix, plus hooks, needles, and notions.