Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mackenzie on 1st mo. 9, 2012 at 6:32pm

I do not have one yet, but since I've been looking into it lately, I figure I should point out that non-US cotton fabric labeled "fair trade" may not be. It is apparently VERY common elsewhere (I think it was specifically India & Uzbekistan that I saw cited for this) for farmers to sign contracts saying they'll do right by fair trade standards to get 70% more for the cotton they reap but then not actually following the rules.

Permalink Reply by Barbara Smith on 1st mo. 9, 2012 at 7:54pm

I'm wondering if Ten Thousand Villages (Mennonite fair trade stores) might have leads? I know they personally visit all their suppliers all over the world. Let me know if you find any reliable sources. Thanks for the scoop. I had found a very hopeful looking site in the UK, now I'm a bit concerned.

Barb

Permalink Reply by Barbara Smith on 1st mo. 10, 2012 at 10:04am

Paula - I look forward to your website. I assume you will announce it here? i also was led yesterday to Nearseanaturals and am going to order samples from there. I want to make my dresses from their fabric. Can you recommend one of their fabrics for dress material? it is very confusing, but maybe I can avoid getting too many samples! I just want something as close to cotton broadcloth as possible. I'm especially impressed with their natural colored cottons.

Thank you for doing this work,
Barb