Ten Thousand Villages is a global maker-to-market company that addresses economic injustice, works to break the cycle of generational poverty, and ignites social change through ethically-sourced certified fair trade handcrafted wares. They are pioneers of the fair trade movement and partner with local organizations worldwide. These washcloths are made by Sana Hastakala in Kathmandu, Nepal.
First off, these are soft. We thought they would be good dirty knee and elbow scrubbers but they are actually good everything scrubbers. Hand crocheted Allo (Himalayan nettle) is a durable fine thread with a bit of tooth to it for gentle exfoliation to massage off dead skin and tough dirt. Clean off the day with this beautiful washcloth.
Nettle is being exalted as the material of the future with its high strength, long fibers, and insulative properties. It is a robust, low input crop, making it substantially more sustainable than cotton and even linen. We are so excited to offer this washcloth as a first step in supporting this new industry.
Note: Due to its handmade nature, size and weave may vary.
Rinse after use. Hang to dry.
Dimensions
9.7 x 9.7 inches
Made in Nepal
ABOUT THE MAKER
Sana Hastakala, which means "small handicraft" in Nepali, is a nongovernmental, nonprofit export organization based in Kathmandu. Sana Hastakala works to preserve the rich artistic skill and traditions of Nepali artisans, and provides additional training and marketing assistance to artisans. Eighty percent of the artisans are women; most artisans are uneducated. Sana Hastakala strives to increase its export sales so that additional disadvantaged artisans can improve their economic and social conditions. Profit from sales is used for producer development programs, staff welfare and organizational strengthening. Sana Hastakala was established in 1989 as a retail shop to help market the handicrafts of producers, mainly women operating on a small scale, usually from their homes. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased products from Sana Hastakala since 2001.