MOLLYGOGGLES

Homebase: Martha's Vineyard, MA

OWNER/DESIGNER: Kati Johnsen

Sizes: Most styles available in 6 months to 8 years. New hooded cardigan and pullover is offered in NB to 12 months; Wholesale prices: $28.50-$31.50

When Kati Johnsen was a third-grade teacher in Rio de Janeiro she never dreamed that she could turn her love for knitting into a business or have that business be the catalyst for change in the lives of so many. Now she's nearly 18 years into the stewardship of Mollygoggles, her collection of fine handknit children's sweaters, and oversees a workroom in Lima, Peru staffed with artisans that are one part talented employees and one part extended family. "My vision," says Johnsen, "is to continue to operate and grow a successful business while making a positive impact on the lives of our artisans and on others within the community at large." To that end, Johnsen promotes "empowering personal independence" by offering her employees classes in English, accounting, and other life skills to "ensure they have the tools they need to improve their livelihoods and the lives of their family."

Of her latest venture, Johnsen says: "My inspiration for our new line came from watching a baseball game one night, and realizing that Major League Baseball (MLB) needed a cool kid's sweater collection. Today we are proud to be working with MLB and our wonderful artisans that make it all happen." The first offerings in the MLB collection include sweaters for the 2009 World Series Champions New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets. "Our customer is looking for a sweater that is special and fine crafted. A garment that has a sense of whimsy and well-executed detail, a product that is meant to last and to be shared - an item that is not found at the big box and discount stores," Johnsen says. The MLB line more than meets her customers' expectations.

The latest collection in the MLB line includes pullovers and cardigans handknit from ultra soft 100 percent Peruvian cotton. The line for girls and boys is "full of novelty details with vintage looking styling, zippers and buttons. We offer rolled neck crews, traditional crew necks, zip up cardigans and infant hoodies," Johnsen says.

Nothing in the line is fussy, and the colors are bold. Johnsen acknowledges her female sports fans with pieces that either coordinate to their brothers' pieces or, colored in a palette of pink, red and cream, stand apart as distinctly "girl." "Customers are captivated by seeing a sweater for their favorite team executed with whimsy and cleverness," she says. "This is what makes our sweaters stand out from other sports apparel for children."

The Bomber Jacket will keep a girl warm and cute while she cheers on the Red Sox.

A back view of the New York Yankees Bomber Jacket in a striking black, cream and red colorway.

The New York Yankees pullover in a "look-at-me" shade of bright pink.

Boston gets chilly, so this hooded pullover with the adorable "sox" tassels is a must have.

Friendly rivals wear opposing team pullovers. Notice the sweet baseball buttons on the shoulder.

Red Sox? Mets? Whatever team they're on, Johnsen offers a zip-front cardigan.

"We are looking forward to extending our collection of sweaters to include all 30 MLB teams," Johnsen says. She invites retailers to contact her. If there is interest in a custom sweater, she can work with a store or organization to create a product to their specifications.

"Mollygoggles has a long history of working closely and respectfully with our artisans and the communities in which we operate," says Johnsen. "We have been practicing corporate social responsibility for as long as we have been in business. Customers appreciate knowing that they are buying from a company with a conscience."

Mollygoogles

Tel: 508 627-9575

E-mail: Wholesale@mollygoggles.com

www.mollygoggles.com

Originally published December 7, 2009