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Wilber Calapuja

Wilber Calapuja alpaca apparel and accessories

"I'm Wilber Calapuja Marron and I was born in Puno where my mother knitted sweaters to sell. I’m a very happy, hard-working, punctual and honest person. I decided to come to Lima to live with a relative to study auto mechanics, then computers and, later, coding.

"One day, a friend offered me a job in a workshop where they knitted sweaters and that's where my interest and passion for developing and knitting sweaters was awakened. In my work experience, I learned to knit, then design and develop different kinds of sweaters, and also learned a great deal about manual and electronic machines. Eventually, I was ready to set up my own workshop.

"When I first ventured out on my own, there were some difficult moments, but each obstacle I overcame motivated me to keep going forward. The toughest part was not having enough money. I worried about finding customers because I needed more work for my collaborators and, fortunately, the people who assist me always supported me. They'd cheer me up with their jokes and, when I would stop by to see how the work was going, I'd always leave smiling.

"Designing is the first step in the process, which is done on the computer. Next, we select the materials, such as alpaca. Finally, we knit them. I enjoy being able to innovate our designs, knitting and use of materials. I don't find it difficult – one just needs creativity and a lot of patience.

"My designs begin as an idea that I quickly capture on paper. I work with my wife and we both spend almost 14 hours a day in the workshop and have weekly meetings to organize the work. It's a challenging job, but very satisfying.

"One of our greatest challenges is competition, which is why I want to increase sales and provide more work to the people around me. As a child, I wanted to work on my own and I've finally achieved this. You have given me the opportunity to continue growing by showing our designs to the world."
Wilber Calapuja

Wilber Calapuja Lima, Peru

"I'm Wilber Calapuja Marron and I was born in Puno where my mother knitted sweaters to sell. I’m a very happy, hard-working, punctual and honest person. I decided to come to Lima to live with a relative to study auto mechanics, then computers and, later, coding.

"One day, a friend offered me a job in a workshop where they knitted sweaters and that's where my interest and passion for developing and knitting sweaters was awakened. In my work experience, I learned to knit, then design and develop different kinds of sweaters, and also learned a great deal about manual and electronic machines. Eventually, I was ready to set up my own workshop.

"When I first ventured out on my own, there were some difficult moments, but each obstacle I overcame motivated me to keep going forward. The toughest part was not having enough money. I worried about finding customers because I needed more work for my collaborators and, fortunately, the people who assist me always supported me. They'd cheer me up with their jokes and, when I would stop by to see how the work was going, I'd always leave smiling.

"Designing is the first step in the process, which is done on the computer. Next, we select the materials, such as alpaca. Finally, we knit them. I enjoy being able to innovate our designs, knitting and use of materials. I don't find it difficult – one just needs creativity and a lot of patience.

"My designs begin as an idea that I quickly capture on paper. I work with my wife and we both spend almost 14 hours a day in the workshop and have weekly meetings to organize the work. It's a challenging job, but very satisfying.

"One of our greatest challenges is competition, which is why I want to increase sales and provide more work to the people around me. As a child, I wanted to work on my own and I've finally achieved this. You have given me the opportunity to continue growing by showing our designs to the world."

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Maker BadgeCaring for Children
This artist supports children under the age of 18.
Maker BadgePreserving Traditions
This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.
Maker BadgeProfound Impact
Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.
Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing
Wilber Calapuja has received 3 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1500 and the most recent for $1500.

15 items

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    Cable Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Pullover in Ivory from Peru 'Warm Charm'
    (3)

    Quote icon Comments

    P
    Penny This sweater is so beautiful. Fits perfectly and is so soft to the skin.
    2 more comments
    Red Alpaca Wool Cardigan with White Glyph Stars from Peru 'Glyph Stars'
    (6)

    Quote icon Comments

    L
    Laura I bought this for my mother, and it is even more beautiful in person, thanks to the incredibly soft baby alpaca. Red is slightly rusty, just a little and it is more ivory on the pattern than white. My mother is 5’9 a size 10, the large fits her exactly.
    5 more comments
    Charcoal Alpaca Tunic Sweater Dress 'Long Lines in Charcoal'
    (2)

    Quote icon Comments

    S
    Sandra I love this sweater it is very comfortable to ware. I have been looking for a dark gray sweater for a very long time. Very happy with my purchase.
    1 more comment
    Baby Alpaca Teal Cable Knit Tunic Sweater Dress 'Winter Teal'
    (3)

    Quote icon Comments

    L
    Linda This sweater is stunning, well-made and of exceptional quality. I intend to get all the colors and hope more colors will be made. Thank you!
    2 more comments

    Wilber Calapuja

    March 1, 2021
    L Laura
    I bought this for my mother, and it is even more beautiful in person, thanks to the incredibly soft baby alpaca. Red is slightly rusty, just a little and it is more ivory on the pattern than white. My mother is 5’9 a size 10, the large fits her exactly.
    Reviewed item
    February 9, 2021
    M Mary
    Received this Beautiful sweater and the color is fantastic and it is so incredibly soft no need for camasol or short Tees underneath just love it. And the packaging was superb I will definitelyorder more clothing
    Reviewed item
    February 7, 2021
    R Rosemary
    Very pretty long cardi. Pockets are convenient.
    Reviewed item
    January 13, 2021
    R Robyn
    Beautiful, soft, light as a feather yet delightfully warm and cozy. Arrived in pretty packaging and made it seem like I was receiving a special gift!
    Reviewed item
    December 8, 2020
    M Mary Ingalls
    I'm always v careful shopping for my stylish brother; he's VERY particular and I hold my breath whenever he opens a package from me. Thrilled to report that he absolutely loves this sweater, says it fits like magic and goes everywhere, from business meetings (with a blazer) to a dinner date (with or without) to running errands (with sweatpants & sneakers). He has a keen eye for design & construc... read more
    Reviewed item
    November 29, 2020
    N Nancy
    The hat is beautifully designed and would accomodate a larger head than mine as a small woman.
    Reviewed item
    November 23, 2020
    I Irina
    I love this color online and it looks beautiful in real life... warm cozy and stylish.I love the quality of material and craftsmen ship... thank you for m as king such beautiful pieces.
    Reviewed item
    April 17, 2023
    J Joseph
    Vibrant color, light weight, yet warm. While I'll likely wet it mostly during the cooler months, I imagine that it could easily be worn in late spring and early autumn as well.
    Reviewed item
    September 25, 2020
    S Shannon
    Lovely, lovely cardigan. Runs true to size. I get many compliments when I wear it.
    Reviewed item
    July 17, 2020
    J Janet
    Well made.It's size was just about big enough to fit and as soon as it was washed gently in cold water, it shrank a bit which now makes it too small to be comfortable on my head. A shame because a very lovely hat otherwise.
    Reviewed item
    March 30, 2023
    K Kara
    The recipient of this sweater says it's possibly the nicest garment they have ever received! Gorgeous work in every respect.
    Reviewed item
    March 26, 2023
    D Dr Karen
    This cardigan is truly fabulous and you can wear it in many ways. Depending on how you wear it, the sweater can be more western cowgirl or Indigenous in its look. I love it with a knit black dress or a long black skirt and top. Add some western boots for greater fun. I loved this one so much that I just ordered the shorter off-white and black trim version. Thank you Wilbur for a great piece of wea... read more
    Reviewed item
    March 21, 2020
    M Marilyn
    Bought for my granddaughter and she loves how it fits and especially the color!
    Reviewed item
    January 16, 2020
    P Penny
    This sweater is so beautiful. Fits perfectly and is so soft to the skin.
    Reviewed item
    January 14, 2020
    R Ruth
    Very soft, beautiful and comfortable.
    Reviewed item
    January 10, 2020
    P Patricia
    This is a beautifully made hat and so light also. It will pack well in my luggage. Very feminine.
    Reviewed item
    October 25, 2019
    J Jada
    Received this sweater today and I am very pleased. True to size, good weight, beautiful rich red color with great detailing - it falls perfectly in the front. I love the soft Alpaca wool - wonderful quality of workmanship! I highly recommend this items for personal or gift. Bravo!
    Reviewed item
    October 17, 2023
    D Dawn
    Beautiful sweater! I am very pleased with the colors and artistry of this alpaca sweater. Wonderful handiwork by this artisan!!!
    Reviewed item
    July 7, 2022
    D Donna
    I will always check his page first, his work is exquisite. Thank you Wilber.
    Reviewed item
    June 27, 2022
    D Donna
    Match this with anything outdoorsy that needs a touch of style. Nicely done. Not too heavy. Could even use it as an indoor hat if your place is not well heated.
    Reviewed item
    June 5, 2022
    L Lynn
    well made and lovely
    Reviewed item
    March 13, 2022
    L Linda
    This sweater is stunning, well-made and of exceptional quality. I intend to get all the colors and hope more colors will be made. Thank you!
    Reviewed item
    January 8, 2022
    S Sandra
    I love this sweater it is very comfortable to ware. I have been looking for a dark gray sweater for a very long time. Very happy with my purchase.
    Reviewed item
    January 8, 2022
    C Celia
    This sweater is gorgeous! Made in soft, light, warm alpaca and it fits my husband perfectly. It arrived faster from Peru than most of my within-US purchases. Highly recommend Wilber's work!
    Reviewed item
    December 27, 2021
    M Michelle
    Soft, beautiful, I'm very happy with this purchase!
    Reviewed item
    August 10, 2023
    B Beatrice
    I love the cardigan and the color combination. I first got the jumper and also loved it, so I also got the cardigan. Perfect also for colder summer nights.
    Reviewed item
    December 20, 2021
    S Susan
    I am a spinner, weaver and knitter and am very familiar with alpaca fiber. This sweater is a gorgeous piece - meticulously well-made and I know it will last a lifetime. It is worth more than the asking price. And as baby alpaca fiber (before the first shearing), it has a loft and softness that feels wonderful next to my skin. I am pleased with my purchase.
    Reviewed item
    December 15, 2021
    A Angela V
    Very nice scarf!
    Reviewed item
    December 12, 2021
    C Carolina
    This is a gift for a cousin who lived and taught in Peru for many years. She adapted to this country and it's mores and it's people took her in like a family member like a citizen not only of Peru but of world.
    Reviewed item
    December 9, 2021
    W William
    The color matched my wife's coat perfectly and it was a great hat.
    Reviewed item
    December 4, 2021
    L Lynda
    I am so pleased. It's absolutely beautiful. Light weight, warm and soft. Love the weave; almost like a lovely lace. I am 5, 10, normally wear a medium but decided on a large for sleeve length. Soo happy I did. It fits beautifully, long in sleeves and a nice relaxed fit and length overall. Absolutely amazing purchase. I hope to wear it for many years to come.
    Reviewed item
    December 3, 2021
    D Donna
    This well-crafted alpaca sweater is lighter than a typical Aran jumper knit from merino wool. It drapes well and flows over your curves. Side slits give ease of movement. A very fair price makes this a good choice. I was delighted with the fit.
    Reviewed item
    October 1, 2021
    T Teri
    This is one of the most beautifully made sweaters I've ever owned, including the cashmere ones. It doesn't get too hot, and keeps me warm when I need it to. I am so very, very pleased with this item & I can't recommend it enough. It is flattering to any figure and fits true to size. I am a size 14 on the bottom and a 16 on the top, the XL fit perfectly. Thanks Wilbur!
    Reviewed item
    September 8, 2021
    M Marialyce
    A very soft and warm sweater, but not too heavy! Perfect weight. Pretty color. I will get many years of use from this lovely item.
    Reviewed item
    September 6, 2021
    A Albert
    Beautiful color, so soft, warm and comfortable.
    Reviewed item
    July 30, 2021
    D Deborah
    Beautiful, lovely color, sooo soft!
    Reviewed item
    March 16, 2021
    R Rick
    Quite a fine cardigan, from styling to fit to comfort. Cable patterning is a great touch. The blue alpaca has subtle heather notes that the photos don't show. The size L that I ordered fits perfectly.
    Reviewed item
    December 8, 2020
    M Mary Ingalls
    I'm always v careful shopping for my stylish brother; he's VERY particular and I hold my breath whenever he opens a package from me. Thrilled to report that he absolutely loves this sweater, says it fits like magic and goes everywhere, from business meetings (with a blazer) to a dinner date (with or without) to running errands (with sweatpants & sneakers). He has a keen eye for design & construction as well as style, and gives this sweater high praise on both. Thank you!!
    March 26, 2023
    D Dr Karen
    This cardigan is truly fabulous and you can wear it in many ways. Depending on how you wear it, the sweater can be more western cowgirl or Indigenous in its look. I love it with a knit black dress or a long black skirt and top. Add some western boots for greater fun. I loved this one so much that I just ordered the shorter off-white and black trim version. Thank you Wilbur for a great piece of wearable art.

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