LotusHaus

Tcho } Technology and Chocolate

The packaging for a new collection of Chocolate called TCHO, has me hooked! Read more about the packaging at The Dieline and discover what flavor you are with their super hip flavor wheel! I think I'm "Nutty" and "Floral"... or maybe just "Fruity"!  (lovn' this!). I also love Tcho's efforts to go beyond Fair Trade with their No Slavery mission.

"TCHO is the first high-profile chocolate manufacturer to be established in the Bay Area since the incorporation of the Ghirardelli Company in 1852. Thus TCHO represents an ambitious beginning which can be viewed in a significant historical context. In their product development, the founders identified 6 dominant natural aromas in the chocolate flavor spectrum: chocolatey, earthy, nutty, fruity, floral and citrus. It is these distinct flavors on which the product line formulation is based."

Lotus Teapot and Infuser Mug for body, mind and world awareness!

These precious tea items by Namu Baru are going on my Christmas wishlist! Namu Baru is a socially responsible and eco-friendly wholesaler of teaware and ceramics. You can read more about their sustainable and fair trade efforts here and purchase these lovely Lotus teapots and infuser mugs at Jenny K.

Greenheart } Fair Trade, Earth Friendly Finds

I really like these bamboo containers from Vietnam and handpainted coasters from Indonesia for possible gift ideas! I found them at Greenheart, a Fair Trade and Eco-Friendly online shop.

Meet the Joobles! } Fair Trade and Organic BFF's for kids!

The Joobles are the softest, most adorable, squishiest, organic-iest animals around! They are guaranteed to be your new Best Friend Forever (BFF)! These fabulous knit toys are made from pure organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes! The Joobles are made fairly in Lima, Peru at a family-run facility where dad grows the cotton and moms runs the sewing operation. See the whole collection here at Fair Indigo! Oh and check out the matching sweater sets too! I love the Mel the Monkey and Buzzy Bug.

Fair Trade African Fabrics } Ananse Village

Look at these beautiful Fair Trade African Wax Prints from Ananse Village. These textiles support many people in West Africa who are involved in producing tie dye and batik. I love the bold patterns and color combinations!

Fair Trade and Sustainable Fabrics with Global Appeal!

If you're into textiles, like I am, you'll probably have a shelf full of beautiful fabric waiting for you to make something out of it. Mine usually end up as temporary table runners or pillow covers. Sorry to do this to you, but you're gonna want to add to your collection! Fabric and Art is a great online source for a well edited selection of fabrics from around the world ~ many of which are fair trade, organic and sustainable. You'll find Japanese and Asian inspired cotton prints, Fair Trade Silks and Brocades, Fair Trade Batiks, Organic Cotton, Hemp, Soy and Bamboo Jersey,  Eco-dyed Cottons,  African Prints, Aboriginal Art Prints, Indian wovens, and Silk Brocade. Shown above from left to right - Japanese Print, Silk Brocade, African Batik, Indian Woven Stripe, Asian Print and Aboriginal Art print. Enjoy!

Lalesso } Kenyan fashion & fair trade

Lalesso is a fashion company started by Alice & Olivia, two fashionistas living in Kenya. The vibrant colors and patterns of the native textiles used in the Lalesso collection are based on the Kenyan "lesso" cloth. The "lesso" was originally a spotted cotton handkerchief brought to East Africa from India. The lesso evolved into what's known as the "khanga" and is now used as a sarong and head cloth. The fashionable khanga cloth is a true Kenyan classic and now has a unique style of its own. Lalesso's collection "shares with the world a hint of East Africa in some sexy, stylish and fun clothing." Also, by using the khanga, Lalesso supports the threatened textile industry and helps to improve the quality of life for the textile workers in Kenya. Wow, I'm just lovin' all the dresses, skirts and wraps! Via Style Will Save Us.

Summertime by Ali Keïta

Selvedge } Passion for Textiles & Life

If you have a passion for textiles in fashion, interiors, travel and culture, pick up the latest issue of Selvedge magazine. Based in London, you can find this international publication at many Barnes & Nobles, usually every other month. When you open a copy of Selvedge you will sense a connection to the spirit of textiles in all forms as well as to the history and people behind their origins. The photography is absolutely stunning and the stories about the world's textile makers and their cultures are very inspiring. As a designer, this magazine really grounds me and helps me to remember the importance of the everyday things we surround ourselves with. For example, the cover story features Afro-Brazilian culture and clothes fashioned from household linens like table cloths and doilies.

You will also find tantalizing textile delicacies with weblinks listed right on the page! I love that! Take a look below at the wonderful works by Megan Park, Henry Road, Orla Kierly, Matta NY, and Comptoir Des Cottoniers.

Also, Selvedge's respect for textile makers inevitably leads them to discuss issues of Fair Trade in the textile industry, specifically in cotton. "2007 is the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade. The links between textiles and slavery are numerous and surprising, it's a history that can shock or inspire - and it's one we should all learn." The beautiful illustration below, with quotes from slaves, politicians and writers, was originally published by Fortune Magazine in September 1931.