ARTISAN HANDCRAFT
The Art of Knitting
Women in Nepal seldom have control over their families’ finances. Cultural constraints and household duties often do not allow them to work outside of their homes and many have no voice. Enter Fair Trade and Knitting! Knitting has provided a solution to both of these challenges. As a true “cottage industry” knitting allows women to work for their own income in between caring for children and completing housework. But it does so much more.
How Knitting Transforms Communities
For Ganesh Himal knits, women gather together in village or neighborhood teams, select a leader who can travel to get supplies, learn a new skill which gives them confidence, make money they can manage, discuss problems in their lives and community, all while staying at home. Their income earnings and greater confidence result in greater voice in their homes and communities resulting, over time in an increase in status and community leadership. This income gives them a greater voice and ultimately leads to more choice for them, their families and their children.
Padhma Creations
Padhma Creations partners with women from neighboring villages of Nepalgunj, Bardiya, and Surkhet in Nepal. Wool is divided among their families who then make berets, scarves, socks, and other items in their homes or in shelters for women without homes. These woolens are then sold, and the money reinvested in programs to support the artisans and their children
Peljor Knits
A Fair Trade producer group in Nepal partnering with Ganesh Himal Trading to create hand-knitted wool and recycled yarn goods. Led by local artisans, the group empowers women and students by providing flexible, fair-wage work that supports their families and higher education. Their handcrafted collection features vibrant accessories made using traditional Nepalese knitting techniques
Stupa Trading
Stupa Trading is a Fair Trade business built by Tibetan refugees Pema-la Lama and her late husband Namgyal. Since 1984, they have partnered with Ganesh Himal Trading to create meaningful and profitable work for tailors, knitters, and marginalized people in Nepal. Their compassionate approach includes a profit-sharing model, microloans, and social welfare funds that provide long-term support for artisans and their families.
Love the story? Shop our Knit Products
Bring a piece of this legacy into your home. Each item is handcrafted with care by Nepali artisans receiving steady work, fair pay, and community support
