This past winter, I ventured to northern Portugal alongside one of the partners I represent. We journeyed to the far north of the country to hand-select new vintage pieces and explore the area’s production capabilities for wool, linen, and basketry. 

This week, I am delighted to show you the last of the four new collections from Kashmir and this one is all about wool. It’s a collection of scarves and stoles, designed by US-based consultant and designer, Stacy Spivak. The collection was facilitated by Aid to Artisans/ Creative Learning to help create market opportunities for artists in Kashmir, India while working with Rangsutra and the Bandipora Weavers Producer Company. Stacy worked with the artists to update their traditional striped and color-blocked patterns with a chic, earthy palette. We are featuring a line of accessories (scarves and stoles) but these fabrics can also be ordered by the yard and made into custom designs such as lumbar pillows, easy bed throws, and more.

I’m thrilled to share a new line that I’m completely swooning over. These maple-hued textiles are absolutely perfect for the fall and winter months. My partner works closely with a selection of master craftspeople throughout Thailand, Laos, and southwest China, where they specialize in batik, tie-dye, hand weaving, and stitch art. Together with indigenous artisan communities, they have created a gorgeous collection of naturally dyed, handwoven textiles that you can easily mix and match to fit within any home.

This month, I am thrilled to share some of the newest items from my partner in Pakistan. This new range of textiles was inspired by the natural colors of the landscape in Sindh where the fabrics are created. The soft, earthy tones of light gold and terracotta are timeless, soothing additions to any living space. Geometric patterning provides just enough visual interest while giving the perfect amount of negative space for the eye to rest.

The yellow dye is extracted from Keesu Phool, a yellow blossom that grows locally in Sindh. The blossoms are gently cooked in hot water, then strained to create the concentrated yellow color. Natural dyeing is both a science and an art as the dyer must understand how to work with both plants and mordants to achieve subtle yet nuanced shades.

This week, I am excited to continue my promotion of talented enterprises exhibiting at the New World Crafts online fair, a wonderful sourcing opportunity for those interested in working with artists from Guatemala and throughout Central America. The work of these two vendors – La Casa Cotzal and Topis Ceramica – really stands out to me so I wanted to share a bit more about each of them.

This week I am delighted to share some beautiful finds from my partner in Mexico (Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya), who has been working hard to create employment opportunities for master craftsmen and women impacted by the pandemic. In partnership with enterprises around Mexico and guidance from Igenris and the United Nations Development Program, they have created a non-profit to promote the production activity of artisans in Mexico who have been affected by the uncertainty caused by social distancing measures. The non-profit guarantees fair income to families and communities with a mission to help preserve the heritage and cultural identity of Mexico.