Truckee, CA – December 11, 2024 – This holiday season, a special 6-week pop-up shop is opening its doors in downtown Truckee, bringing with it a unique blend of cultural richness and artisanal craftsmanship. Cultural Threads, located at 10382 Donner Pass Road, will open its doors on Friday, December 13, 2024 and offer a curated selection of 100% alpaca knitwear and home decor that tell a story of tradition, sustainability, and connection.
Owned by Tahoe local Kristen Kempt, the shop is more than just a retail space – it’s an immersive experience. A perfect place to find thoughtful, meaningful gifts, Cultural Threads will feature one-of-a-kind hand-knit 100% alpaca hats, scarves, gloves, neck warmers, legwarmers, blankets, rugs and more. Each piece is crafted by a cooperative of women living above 14,000ft. in the Peruvian Andes, a project that Kristen founded nine years ago.
Kristen has spent half of each year in the Andes mountains, living alongside the women who raise the alpacas, spin the yarn, and create the designs she has taught them to bring to life. This collaboration has allowed Kristen to build not just a business in our Truckee community, but a sustainable brand empowering artisan women with fair wages and a deep connection to their heritage.
Alpaca fiber is known for its remarkable warmth, lightweight nature, and hypoallergenic properties, making it the perfect material for life in the Sierra Nevada. Unlike traditional wool, alpaca is softer, warmer, and contains no lanolin, which means it won’t irritate sensitive skin. The natural insulating properties of alpaca make it highly efficient at retaining heat while remaining breathable and moisture-wicking — ideal for the variable weather of Tahoe. Whether you’re cozying up inside by the fire or spending time outdoors in the crisp winter air, alpaca garments provide the perfect balance of comfort, warmth, and versatility.
“We want visitors to experience the story behind each piece they purchase,” says Kristen Kempt, founder of Cultural Threads. “It’s more than just a gift – it’s a symbol of the dedication, care, and tradition that go into every stitch. When you shop here, you’re supporting women artisans in the Andes and bringing home a meaningful piece of the world.”
Cultural Threads will be open 7 days a week through January 18th, 2025. Whether you’re looking for a cozy hat, a warm alpaca blanket, or one-of-a-kind home accents, Cultural Threads promises to be a place to find something for everyone.
Shop Details:
Cultural Threads
10382 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA
Open 7 days a week, through January 18th
For more information, visit https://culturalthreads.com or follow Cultural Threads on social media at Instagram @Cultural_Threads or Facebook @CulturalThreads.
