THE ART OF DYEING, WEAVING AND SEWING IN NEPAL
In Nepal, we collaborate with a local social institution that also runs a handicraft workshop. This independent institution is managed and owned by Nepali individuals and supported by private donors from around the world. Initially a children's home, the organization has expanded to include an organic farm, travel agency, web development, and a handicrafts workshop—all aimed at providing jobs for children once they leave school. The handicrafts workshop also employs adult women who have no place to stay, such as those forced to leave their village or with no other means of making a living. The workshop offers free skill development, employment, and a future to women in need.
DYEING THE YARNS
First, the ladies dye the yarn in a shed behind the actual handicrafts workshop. They only use natural dyes, resulting in vibrant and unique products that carry the essence of the natural elements used. After dyeing the yarns are left hanging outdoors to dry in the wind and sun.
PREPARING THE YARN
After dyeing, the dried yarns are wound onto spools. The yarns intended for the warp (the vertical threads in the weaving) are carefully measured and arranged on a warping board.
WEAVING THE FABRIC
With the loom set up and the yarns transferred from the board to the loom, the actual weaving process begins. The weavers usually sit on the floor, and the whole process typically involves lots of Chiya (spiced milk tea), music and "girl's talk".
CUTTING AND SEWING
The finished fabrics then move to the final station where they are cut, sewn into products, and sold to customers. As the tourism industry has never fully recovered from the 2015 earthquake and COVID, the stock is currently quite full and export to European market is much needed but very difficult to organize.
