Watch the interview with WORK+SHELTER founder Theresa Vandermeer from Working Woman Report here and hear the powerful story behind WORK+SHELTER, then make sure you visit The Lotus Odyssey and help us support the amazing women of WORK+SHELTER.

 

 

The women at WORK+SHELTER are busy working on the Madison Cowl ( with plenty of help from W+S Founder Jorel)

These cowls will soon be available on The Lotus Odyssey, and the patterns are available for purchase on The Sweatshop Of Love.

WORK+SHELTER Founders Theresa, Namita and Jorel are in New Dehli and wanted to share some pictures of their adventure!

Check back soon for exciting new updates from WORK+SHELTER!

 

Want to support WORK+SHELTER?

Shop The Lotus Odyssey and experience Good Karma Luxury.

You will not only find the gorgeous, hand knit goods created by the women at WORK+SHELTER, but soaps, made of organic ingredients in the Himalayas and  luxurious creams with apricot oil and pure essential oils. Hand- woven, wild-silk scarves in shimmering, iridescent colors are sure to enrich any wardrobe and our gold or white silver 50 turn bangles  make the perfect gift this holiday season.

 

 

 

All of the proceeds support WORK+SHELTER and everyone who is involved with WORK+SHELTER works pro-bono to ensure we can reach as many women as possible in India.

Visit The Lotus Odyssey today and take advantage of our holiday sale, with knit goods 50-75% off and free shipping on orders over $25!

Another adorable product made by the women of WORK+SHELTER, Bookworm, is here!

Bookworm

Bookworm is an adorable plush worm who has an affinity for books (hence the name), diverse human interaction, and exploring different cultures.  Bookworm embraces compassion for all people, no matter what shape, size, color, or type! Bookworm is very proud to be a bookworm and hopes you can take pride in who you are too!

Bookworm will put an instant smile on your face (I bet you’re smiling already), and is great for anyone, child or adult, who loves cute things, needs the perfect cuddle buddy, or is an avid reader or book enthusiast.

Bookworm is hand-crafted by women artisans in India who are treated with respect by their employer, provided with shelter, and paid fairly for their dedication to creating quality products.

Bookworm materials: Micro-chamois (really soft!) polyester fleece, polyester fleece, premium polyfil (made from recycled bottles!)

Bookworm dimensions: 10″ long, 4″ wide

Machine washable, but spot cleaning is recommended to prolong the life expectancy, as this product is handmade.

Color may vary slightly from picture, but shape and size remain consistent.

We are so happy to be working with Bookworm creator and designer Emily Gilson!

Make sure you visit ShopLocket and pre-order your Bookworm  to have it delivered by Christmas!

WORK+SHELTER has teamed up with Rubina to create these gorgeous cowls!  Read our interview with Rubina Founder,  Kari Litzmann, then visit the Rubina site to read more about this wonderful organization and order your super cozy Chevron Cowl today!

1. What is Rubina and how did it come about?

Rubina sells accessory products exclusively made by designers collaborating with marginalized women artisans to ensure consistent income and preserve traditional craft.

Rubina was started in 2012, but it’s inspiration happened in 2005 during a thesis research trip to Pakistan when I met a woman named Rubina. She was the only one out of about 100 women participating in sewing and embroidery training that expressed the desire to start her own business with her newly learned skills, but unable to do so given her socioeconomic situation in the conservative region of Northwest Pakistan. Rubina had the talent, drive, and vision to see what could be instead of what was that inspired a business model for the inclusion of talented, entrepreneurial women who only lacked a connection to a robust market.

2.How did you learn about WORK+SHELTER?

Theresa, Namita, and I all met at a New York Women Social Entrepreneurs‘ Dinner in the summer of 2011. We bonded over our love for India and the organizations we were both starting that focused on women. I feel really lucky that we ran into each other that night and am happy that NYWSE (a volunteer organization I lead on the side) is a place that connects people that eventually become business partners and friends!

3. Why is it important for you to work with the women at WORK+SHELTER?

WORK + SHELTER is doing some amazing work with women in Delhi. I had the privilege of visiting the shelter and meeting the women, seeing their process and getting to know their stories. Many of their stories were heartbreaking, but it was so inspiring to see those same women waking up and coming to work every day, most as sole providers for their children, many living in abusive situations, and one even working to put her sister to school. This determination and sense of purpose, as well as the high level of skill each of these women possess, is exactly why Rubina decided to partner with W+S. And because we believe in the work W+S does, our goal is to continue to develop beautiful products with these women to help sustain their lives and the lives of their families.

* Photos courtesy of Andrea Patton

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Check out our Facebook page for some great pictures of a few of the women of WORK+SHELTER enjoying the day at the Dastkar Nature Bazaar.