Now that we’ve shown you the whereabouts to one of London’s most-loved Fair Trade stop offs, it is once again time to drop in and have a look around to see what Autumn essentials Jo Lawbuary and her team have seen to their shelves.
Keep those chills away…
Handloom Wool Blankets: Organic and hand made in the foothills of the Himalaya, by the Timalagabar village co-op society. They come in two assorted sizes pankhi – 100 x 200cm., RRP £44.99 – a thinner weave to the wool, perfect as a throw by the bed or over the side of the sofa. The thoolma is a slightly larger and thicker blanket – 150 x 250cm., RRP £125 – its heavily worked handloom wool is an ideal duty blanket to really snuggle into.
Handloom Cotton Bedlinen: Fully machine washable handloom cotton. This range of linen has been made under the care of Reaching the Unreached (www.rtu.org.uk), a development organisation in Southern India, and Artisan Hut, Bangladesh in partnership with Fairly Covered (www.fairlycovered.com). They come in five different styles: fine ribbed white, heavy white, pink chambray, amber and heavy blue. The duvets are available in the three traditional sizes (single, double and king size). So they offer a great ethical alternative to the thousands of us out there looking to change the covers before the winter weather sets in this year.
Kantha textiles: These are a personal and store favourite. Kantha textiles feature specialised regional techniques such as sujini and kanther embroidery and patchwork. The designs are delightfully whimsical, as well as bold and abstract. They cover a large range of items, including; the silk kantha throw, the kantha sari quilt, baby blankets, kantha janwar cushion covers, and much more.
Gift Solutions…
Aromatherapy Pot Candles: Handmade candles infused with essential oils in a hand-thrown clay pot. Made by Silence – a registered society of 25 years working for the social and economic rehabilitation of the deaf and the physically challenged (www.silence-india.com) – they come in a selection of scents and tasteful colours: lavender, vanilla, orange, jasmine, neem. RRP., £5.99.
Natuarl Incense: These incense cones, made by Greater Goods (www.greatergoodsonline.com) have been traditionally handrolled, using essential oils, floral perfumes and a delicate blend of flowers. They come in packs of 12 and retail at £1.75, and are great to have around the home or to be given as a gift.
Recycled Plastic: made in the UK, this range of items has found ways to recycle and apply plastics into interesting and innovative gifts. Notebooks, keyrings, clipboards and coasters are some of the charming examples for possible stocking-fillers this Christmas.
Ari Stitch Wallhangings: Produced using traditional cobblers stitch by the Self Employed Women’s Association – the SEWA works to ensure the active participation of poor women and self-employed women in the co-operative movement to support their lives with regular work and income – these wallhangings are stitched to intricate motifs and warm colourings; available in three sizes and range between £20 – £35.
Ganesha’s mix of interesting, traditional and innovative Fair Trade products are a great way to introduce friends and family to ethical alternatives. There is always a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in both London stores, so make sure you get down to see Ganesha’s full stock listings, and find out more about how and why these products were sourced.
website: www.ganesha.co.uk
