The Bulgarian Workshop:
tamielle’s
workshop in Bulgaria, was founded in August 2007, out of a deep belief that designers can play an important role in creating work for people in need. The workshop is functioning in a poor area of Bulgaria, near Veliko Tarnovo. It collaborates with local charities, to support women from disadvantaged backgrounds. It provides them with work opportunities, and the self esteem that comes from creating something beautiful with their own hands. Trade becomes ever more personal – as each woman is signing her name on the tag that accompanies her work
Within one month of its existence – the workshop had provided work for 6 Embroiderers and 12 lovely women who come to pack the hankies and to fill the Lavender cushions (a very aromatic work….).Much attention and love is invested in their work. I hope you can feel the Atmosphere from the photos…
The white on white work in my collection:
This is the fruit of my collaboration with Vijay, the Rani (princess) of Mahmudabad.
In 1992, Vijay established ‘Qilasaaz’, a wonderful non-profit project located in North India. Its members work together in the ancient forts of Mahmudabad and Bilehra. They preserve the same old embroidery and sewing techniques that were used in the Raja’s households for generations. This project enables its members to earn a viable monthly income, and supports the education of all their children.
My Boxes
The boxes in which the Hankies are packed, are made by Elijah – a lovely 73 year old man. He works with his brother and his family in thier small factory. Everything is hand made – using the same techniques he learned from his father, as a child in Syria.
The Handkerchief Club:
In old times women used to get together and embroider. This was an intimate ‘Club’. A place to speak, listen, laugh and cry. This slow quality time between women has long gone, together with one of the most beautiful, romantic products ever to exist: The hand embroidered handkerchief.
The Handkerchief Club intiiative wishes to revive this intimate product, while provideing an ethical income for women in need.
It als wishes to bring back the personal touch that used to be a part of trade. A tiny print is made on each handkerchief. It tells you the name of the woman who embroidered it for you.
All of the embroideries are handmade in Bulgaria. I work with each embroiderer individually, at her own home. We embroider, we talk, I taste thier unique dishes, and hear their stories about thier life, their culture, the homes they left behind… This is the favourite part of my work.
more coming soon…