WORK+SHELTER is teaming up with Sweatertoys!
The lovely creator of Sweatertoys, Caitlin Wicker ( far right picture), answered a few of our questions so you could get to know her a little better!
How did the idea of Sweatertoys come about?
Sweatertoys came to life back in 2005. My sister’s favorite childhood stuffed bunny, Pinksey, literally fell apart. I wanted to make a stuffed animal for my sister to make her feel better, but I didn’t know how to sew much besides a straight line, and I wasn’t sure what materials to use. An avid thrifter, I came across a soft pink cashmere sweater that was practically begging to be repurposed. The end result was a haggard-looking stuffed tapir. Despite its flaws and my frustration at not truly knowing how to sew, I was excited to further pursue this idea.
How did the idea to partner with WORK+SHELTER come about?
I was introduced to (WORK+SHELTER Founder and President) Theresa through a friend. I volunteered to share with her my New York retail contacts and help her approach stores in which to sell goods made by WORK+SHELTER women. She mentioned the possibility of WORK+SHELTER women helping to make my stuffed animals. Once the seed was planted, we decided to move forward
Why is it important for you to work with the women at WORK+SHELTER?
Sweatertoys is my baby. I want my business to grow, but not at the expense of other human beings. I don’t want them mass-produced in factories in China. I like the idea that WORK+SHELTER women are not only receiving fair wages to make Sweatertoys, they are also being trained to be productive citizens.
We know you will love Caitlin and her Sweatertoys as much as we do.
The women at WORK+SHELTER are currently making penguins and narwhales, with more adorable animals to follow!
Keep checking your WORK+SHELTER newsletter for updates!
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Dastkar Nature Bazaar
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.
Meet Anjali, the new Manager at WORK+SHELTER
Anjali Bhatnagar is a graduate from Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, Jaipur, with specialization in soft material application. She has worked with organizations like Aga Khan Foundation; Asian Heritage Foundation; All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association and has been focusing on forward as well as backward linkages for artisan communities.
Anjali has been a catalyst in bridging the gap between artisans and main stream markets. She has facilitated successful partnerships with buyers like Ten Thousand Villages, Global Exchange, West Elm etc. to name a few.
Her design background combined with extensive exposure to the crafts sector helps her in understanding the buyer requirements and translating them to beautifully designed handicrafts that fit well into the urban mainstream markets.
We are so lucky to have Anjali as a part of WORK+SHELTER, she has already done amazing things for the Shelter in the few months she has been there!
Sweatertoys!
WORK+SHELTER is teaming up with Sweatertoys!
The lovely creator of Sweatertoys, Caitlin Wicker ( far right picture), answered a few of our questions so you could get to know her a little better!
How did the idea of Sweatertoys come about?
Sweatertoys came to life back in 2005. My sister’s favorite childhood stuffed bunny, Pinksey, literally fell apart. I wanted to make a stuffed animal for my sister to make her feel better, but I didn’t know how to sew much besides a straight line, and I wasn’t sure what materials to use. An avid thrifter, I came across a soft pink cashmere sweater that was practically begging to be repurposed. The end result was a haggard-looking stuffed tapir. Despite its flaws and my frustration at not truly knowing how to sew, I was excited to further pursue this idea.
How did the idea to partner with WORK+SHELTER come about?
I was introduced to (WORK+SHELTER Founder and President) Theresa through a friend. I volunteered to share with her my New York retail contacts and help her approach stores in which to sell goods made by WORK+SHELTER women. She mentioned the possibility of WORK+SHELTER women helping to make my stuffed animals. Once the seed was planted, we decided to move forward
Why is it important for you to work with the women at WORK+SHELTER?
Sweatertoys is my baby. I want my business to grow, but not at the expense of other human beings. I don’t want them mass-produced in factories in China. I like the idea that WORK+SHELTER women are not only receiving fair wages to make Sweatertoys, they are also being trained to be productive citizens.
We know you will love Caitlin and her Sweatertoys as much as we do.
The women at WORK+SHELTER are currently making penguins and narwhales, with more adorable animals to follow!
Keep checking your WORK+SHELTER newsletter for updates!
W+S Fall Products!
The women are busy with packing and shipping some of our Fall 2012 Products!
What is a Narwhal?
That is a very good question. The women at WORK+SHELTER are currently making the Sweatertoys incarnation of the so-called “unicorn whale,” and were curious to know more about it.
Here’s a picture of Seema and Maqsooda learning more on the good ol’ world wide web!
Making fun of Theresa’s Hindi
Making fun of my Hindi never gets old! Here are some images of a chat I had with Baljeet and Seema recently.
August 23rd Chat
Chatting with the ladies of WORKS+SHELTER, Baljeet, Kulwant, Ritu, and Seema below 🙂 Thanks for translating Puneet!
Kulwant, Ritu and Ramkali
Kulwant, Ritu and Ramkali on a Skype session with WORK+SHELTER Finance Director Namita Krul!