Tunisia has only had 2 and a half years of democracy since the dictatorship was ousted .In this time the industries are slowly and surely overcoming the effects of corruption and exploitation.

“The objective of the Fairtrade certification is to help “build economic independence and empowerment for Fairtrade Certified small farmer organizations and their members, bringing them economic stability and a higher standard of living” (FLO).”

The olive industry of Tunisia has succeeded in certification. Textiles are in the process.

In the meantime there are independent inspections made on behalf of international clothing manufacturers.Transfair (German) certifies the fair production of the cotton and has factories inspected in India, China, Malaysia and Tunisia that are part of the production process – spinning works, dyeing factories and sewing. Every year the testers arrive. They want to know if the plant pays its workers living wages and grants them minimum vacation time.

We have a lovely soft blue not too dissimilar to this in the Classic Stripe:

http://www.focalpointhome.com.au/fouta/fouta-classic-strip/

See http://style-files.com/

Image : Style Files.

We are busy planning for our first trade fair in New York at the New York International Gift Fair.http://www.nynow.com/

Karen McCartney has written a blog post over at Temple and Webster about New York. She writes:

“Confession time. I would like to start this post by coming clean. I am meant to be a worldly, design-savvy person who has a deep understanding of global style capitals. While I can lay claim to London, Paris, Madrid, Tokyo and in the US, Los Angeles and Miami, I have never, ever been to New York.”

Me too Karen- I have not been there either and found your blog post very inspiring for our upcoming trip!

http://blog.templeandwebster.com.au/karen-mccartney-visits-new-york/

Image: nyc-photo fanpop

We are one of eight new companies to have been selected to exhibit:

“Located in the Javits Center’s Level 4 Galleria, Handmade Global Design features a collection of 150 exhibitors from 15 countries with a focus on traditional craftsmanship, design, and community building through global artisan workshops. Eight companies have been accepted to join the summer market: Asian Eye (textiles and scarves); Chilote House Shoes (woven shoes); Focalpoint Home (textiles and towels); Made by Survivors (jewelry and accessories); MyMela.com (home décor, jewelry and accessories); Niteo (leather wallets and accessories); Project Have Hope (jewelry and accessories); and String Theory Rug & Textile (textiles and rugs).”

Read the full Press Release here:

http://www.nynow.com/Home/PressCenter.aspx

In this shot you can see his recent book ” A Place Called Home”  displayed by Tamara with the striped foutas on the shelf below.

Follow the links for more from Jason and Tamara:

http://www.mrjasongrant.com/blog/

http://www.ilikebirds.com.au/

“There are those versatile items one should always keep stocked; add the fouta to this list. Traditionally used in hammams, these towels have long been a staple in Turkey and North Africa, and are attracting attention worldwide. Most often made from cotton, foutas are just as absorbent as terry cloth, but are lighter, dry faster, and are far more multi-purposed: a beach towel, a sarong, a table runner, even a throw to brighten up the home. And when summer picnics and lakeside afternoons pass into cooler autumn days, the fouta becomes a shawl for warmth or an extra blanket. Don’t fret about overuse, as foutas become softer with wash and wear.”

http://www.nuvomagazine.com/Article.aspx?aid=99902&raid=-1

Well done Mourad in finding these fabulous Mergoum Rugs.

Surprisingly it is not that easy to find genuine handmade articles.

These are handspun, handwoven , hand dyed and hand tufted! Mergoums are specific to the whole area of the Eastern Sahara, extending from the Tunisian South to the North of Chad. They were formerly used to cover litters on camels’ backs or to split tents into two separate rooms or else to cover the ground. The production of Mergoums is subjected to the State Quality Label. The labels are leaded on the back side of each Mergoum bear a set of indicators relating to the quality, texture, measurements, model, range and manufacturing date of the product; such indicators are a guarantee of the authenticity of the product for purchasers.

We have been taking orders already and are sure they will find great homes.

They come in two sizes 90x 150cm Price $250

$70x140cm Price $300.

Mourad is currently in Tunis on a buying trip for the Winter collection of rugs.

He is meeting with Monjeer today to purchase some more of her amazing wares. She produces Haik- handspun and woven wool blankets. They are extraordinarily beautiful for their simplicity and elegance. Woven with a loose weave they are light and soft and are edged with pom-poms. Each measures a generous 275 x 175 so are suitable for a bed cover. Gorgeous as a sofa throw too. They are all natural cream and are available in blue, red or black stripes, or with embroidered motifs.