We use a range of different kinds of Fairtrade certified organic cotton cloth in our Fair Trade clothing range, this includes handloom, calico, denim, velvet, corduroy and lawn (the lawn unfortunately is not yet certified organic).
Our main fabrics are fine hand-woven Fairtrade organic cotton and a slightly more sturdy Fairtrade organic cotton calico which is woven on small electric powered looms. For our Autumn/Winter collections we also use Fairtrade organic cotton denim, velvet and corduroy, these are woven specially for us by Fairtrade accredited partners. All our organic cotton is grown from non GM seed in the northern state of Gujarat, and is certified by both Contol Union and the Fairtrade Foundation. For our Spring/Summer collections we also use light-weight hand-woven Fairtrade cotton lawn. This range of Fairtrade certified fabrics are also available to purchase by the metre. We also produce garments in luxurious noil silk.
The weavers weave on average 3-4 metres of cloth a day, using the traditional looms and techniques that have been passed down through their families for generations. The weavers are organised in Self Help Groups which operate democratically and share their profits amongst their members like small co-operatives.
After delivery to the Tailoring Societies the handloom cloth is washed and ironed to ensure it is pre-shrunk. It is then sent to the cutting room where the Cutters cut the required pieces needed for the many patterns our partners have become expert at tailoring.
The tailors then use peddle powered sewing machines to stitch the garments. Although there is mains electricity in the Tailoring Units, its supply is interrupted by power cuts most days. There are some tailors who use electric machines due to leg disabilities.
The fine detailed appliqu� work that is distinctive of
Bishopston Trading Company�s style is undertaken by the khaja tailors, they are highly skilled and very patient. There is also a society of hand-embroiderers who produce the popular embroidered garments.
It is very important to Bishopston Trading Company that we provide full-time employment throughout the whole year for our partners, and that we ensure as much value is added to our products in the community we were set up to support as is possible. Our popular Fairtrade organic cotton bags are all woven, stitched and screen-printed by our partners in K.V.Kuppam. Our beaded jewellery and batik scarves are also produced there by a group of fifteen women. All members of the Tailoring Societies, regardless of their position or role, receive above average wages, secure employment, health care allowance, provident fund, gratuity and access to the on-site cr�che for their young children.
We are proud of the fact that our products are not simply made from Fairtrade cotton, but that they are Fair Trade products made from Fairtrade cotton.
