I am extremely happy and excited to introduce you to the new Gabriela Kos Store featuring my exclusive Isalloni Yarns!
It has been a long journey since the first time I went to a trade fair in Cologne, Germany to find suppliers until today. I started dyeing yarn commercially in 2015, and with the help of my husband, I participated in local events as a vendor. The yarn initially had my own name Gabriela Kos, but I wanted to give a new name that represents my origins. That is how Isalloni was born.
Isalloni is a word in Aimara, a local native language from Bolivia. It means “the one that has a wrap, shawl or cloak” (“una que tiene manto” in Spanish.)
I could not find a better word to describe me and where I come from. I remember when I was a little girl, my grandma and nanny used to buy raw wool from the farmers to spin and knit with it. The first thing I recall they made was a shawl in natural color. It was white as a veil, with basic cables and lace. I remember the whole process of making the yarn. Those skeins spun with a traditional spindle, so pristine. This shawl protected me from cold winters, and I could feel the warmth love they put on every time I was wearing it.
I want to share the same love with you through my yarn, and dedicate my work to these beautiful ladies who introduced me to the world of yarn makers.
So please check out the new Gabriela Kos Store at gabrielakos.store and isalloni.com. I look forward to hearing from you very soon!