Welcome back to the Living Threads Co. blog! We are excited to share our new line of Nepalese textiles, handwoven by women’s cooperatives on back-strap and wooden handlooms. These highly skilled weavers have honed their art over many generations, providing for their families while preserving traditional art forms.

We at Living Threads Co. have been inspired by these Nepalese women, both for their skill as well as for their resilience. As many of you remember, Nepal was struck by a devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake in 2015. This earthquake killed 5,000 people and affected eight million, almost a third of the entire population. The national economy was essentially shattered, with losses estimated at $10 billion. All this in a country with economic growth that was already expected to slow, an unemployment rate of more than 40 percent, and a reliance on agriculture, tourism and remittances to support its economy. (Al Jazeera News 2015*)

Due to the profoundly detrimental effects of this catastrophe, the importance of sustainable forms of income are more important than ever. Women’s cooperatives are critical to supporting communities in times of need. At Living Threads Co., we have made it a priority to work with Nepalese female artisans in particular, to directly support these women to help them get back on their feet after the earthquake. Our goal is to assist in providing markets for the high quality textiles these women create, allowing them to support their families and improve the livelihoods of the artisans and communities alike. Please join us in this effort, and choose a lovely, finely crafted textile that you will be proud to have in your home!

Check out these stunning photos from our field visit in Nepal: