Offset Warehouse has joined forces with an exciting new ethical company that supports a women weavers co-operative from Northern India, and we're so pleased to announce that their products will be available in both our Fabric and Haberdashery Shop and our Boutique.
Spinning and weaving lambs wool at the production centre.
Their story began in 1998 when Mukti Datta sought to revive the lost art of handlooming, a craft that only a few remaining master weavers were able to do, and began training a handful of local women. Supported by her business partner and friend Dena Kaye they dreamt of transforming the lives of oppressed women of the region.
Ten years later the co-operative employs over 750 local women. Together they work at processing the raw materials, then dye, hand spin, weave, or knit and beautifully embroider a vast range of luxury accessories and fabrics. In 2006 the co-operative achieved the prestigious 'Seal of Excellence for Handicrafts', awarded by UNESCO.
The co-operative has flourished over the last decade and grown into a truly vibrant, self reliant industry, where the women themselves are now shareholders in the company.
Datta’s passion, vision and energy has led the way in ethical business practice. Even the World Bank called it a model for socio-economic change after a three month study.
Some of the women from the co-op, in the main production centre at Almora in the Himalayan foothills.
After a decade of hardwork and dedication the Women Weavers of Kumaon are proud to launch their exclusive, wonderful range of products into the UK, which will be available to buy on Offset Warehouse. The aim of the expansion to the UK is to fund the training of a further 500 – 1000 women in the area by the establishment of further co-operatives. We hope you will support them in this endeavor.
Offset Warehouse provides a huge range of ethical fabrics. We sell everything you need to create ethical clothing and interiors.
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