Textiles & Books: What's the Connection?

In 2007, when we first visited Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage town in northern Laos, we discovered Big Brother Mouse. We write often about this exciting social enterprise, a Lao-owned and -run book publishing venture that makes reading and literacy fun for kids.

We sell textiles, handwoven by women in rural Laos and Thailand. We do this to help women support their families, communities and traditions. And to share their beautiful, naturally dyed textiles with women (and men) in North America. We follow fair trade principles, as set out by the World Fair Trade Organization. Part of our work is to support community development.

5 Things You Can Do for Garment Workers

Just in time for World Fair Trade Day on May 11, 2013.
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By Alleson Kase, co-founder, TAMMACHAT Natural Textiles

1. Learn the difference between what you need and what you want.
   If we all bought fewer things, we would have bigger budgets for essentials.
2. Support local farmers, craftspeople and economies when and where possible.
   A sweater that was knit locally was not produced in a dangerous sweatshop.
3. Bring your reading glasses shopping, if necessary, so you can read labels.
   Develop an awareness of what's in products and where they're made. Look especially for certifications such as "union-made," "fair trade" or "organic."
4. Ask for fairly traded and ethically sourced items from the stores you frequent.
   Independent local retailers can be more responsive than mega-stores like Walmart. If you feel it's necessary to shop at chain stores, take time to write to their CEO to express your concerns for workers' rights and environmental protection.
5. As global consumers, we can also learn more about global labour trends.
   The World Fair Trade Organization spells out 10 principles of fair trade and web sites like cleanclothes.org feature news and links for consumer campaigns.

 

Thai weaver works at her loom on her own schedule

New photo book showcases Lao weaving

Lao weavers are renowned for their skills in creating exceptional silks. TAMMACHAT's 5th photo book on weaving in Southeast Asia, Mulberries ORGANIC SILK, is now available. It features the work of World Fair Trade Organization member Lao Sericulture Company, a non-profit that sustains rural weavers in Laos and sells under its brand, Mulberries.

Preview the book for free in TAMMACHAT's bookstore on blurb.com, then order a copy in softcover or hardcover (with paper dust jacket or with image wrap). Also available in iBook format for quick download (for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch) -- only $4.99.

Other TAMMACHAT photo books available (photos by Ellen Agger, text by Alleson Kase):

• Panmai: Handweaving in Thailand (featuring a women's weaving co-op, specializing in hand-reeled, organic silk and known for their natural dyeing skills)
• Prae Pan Group: Handweaving in Thailand (featuring a women's weaving co-op that is known for its earth tones in cotton)
• Weaving Sustainable Communities: Organic Cotton Along the Mekong
• SILK (a collection of images showing the entire process of creating beautiful silks in Thailand and Laos)