Arthur & Henry lambswool scarves from India - read their fascinating story

A few days ago, Clare Lissaman, a friend of mine and director of Arthur & Henry (whose ethically-made shirts I've written about here), told me about some lambswool scarves she'd added to their website. 

I loved the colours and the story behind their manufacture by a group of very special women in India. Here's their story, told by Clare:

"Our scarves are all 100% fine lambswool, spun and woven for us by the women of the Panchachuli co-operative in the Himalayas. All profits are ploughed back into the organisation with the objective of increasing opportunities for rural women to receive training, gain employment and earn a livelihood for themselves and their families through the hand loom way of life. 

Founded in 1997, the co-operative now has over 700 women whose lives and livelihoods have been transformed through being part of Panchachuli. Mukti Dutta, who founded it over a decade ago, has this to say:

Here in the hills, society is still very, very male dominated. Life is extremely tough for women despite the increase in upward mobility these days. There is a lot of alcoholism, most of the men are away working in towns, so the women are left to fend for themselves. There is also a lot of sexual abuse and domestic violence. So it is a very difficult life for these women and Panchachuli has shown them a path out of hopelessness; that there is something you can do to get out of this rut, as it were. So many women come here in very desperate conditions asking for a job.

We love these scarves, not just because of the story, but because the quality of the workmanship is so high."

To see more about these fair trade, handwoven, lambswool scarves (which measure 190 x 36cm) and to buy them, please visit Arthur & Henry's website here.

The women of Panchachuli

The women of Panchachuli  spinning

The women of Panchachuli at their looms