Handspun Organic Coyuchi Cotton Face Cloth

Handspun organic coyuchi cotton serves as the base of these pretty face cloths, which feature a neutral camel hue that grows naturally in this shade. These textiles are produced by a socially-focused collective who help to provide a positive stream of income to nearly 300 families in the state of Oaxaca. This organic cotton is grown on small plots without pesticides on the coast. It’s processed by hand and spun into string on wooden Ghandi spinning wheels. After this, it’s woven on standing foot pedal looms – with the artisans sometimes having to place a bucket of hot coals under the fabric to keep it from sticking in the cold, damp weather. The pieces are then sewn in Oaxaca by a seamstress. These textured wash cloths will shrink and soften after the first wash.

Details:

• Made by hand in Oaxaca and Guerrero using cotton that is native to that area
• Dimensions: approximately 8.5" x 9" 
• Includes one cloth
• Care: wash by hand or in the washing machine with mild soap.  Hang dry.  Do not use bleach. 

Special note about the Artisans:
Originally started in 2010 with a group of 30 women, this project maintains a focus on supporting the local economy through work opportunities that range from raising cotton crops to weaving and embroidery work. In addition to using strictly organic cotton, they only use natural dyes that are not harmful to the environment. The group works with over 200 spinners who produce their handmade cotton, with the primary focus of their collective project being to support the economy of the local community by upholding cultural traditions and paying a living wage in the process. Further to this, the group also moves to educate the public about the toxicity of the industrial textile industry.

Meet the Makers
Founded in 2016, by Ehren Seeland, Hecho is a curated emporium of ethically made artisan works that serve as the intersection of contemporary design and traditional artisan processes. Ehren is committed to the recognition of a desire to share these remarkable experiences within the context of a sustainable business built on partnerships, respect and transparency.

Hecho is a woman-owned company based in Oaxaca, Mexico that collaborates with over 70 artisans in eight different Mexican states, along with two small towns in Guatemala, in order to create their custom collections. The goal of these efforts is to support the storied traditions of generations of makers, and further a growing movement of quality over quantity. There is an added focus on supporting women in their work, with over 65% of their artisan partners being female. To ensure safe and healthy working environments, the makers are visited in their homes and workshops. If the women artisans are not respected in either realm, Hecho will not work with the group. Hecho also strives to maintain a focus on visibility for artisans, supporting women in their work, and encouraging preservation of artisan art forms through positive shared revenue streams.

In short, this is a business partnership in which both the makers and Hecho hold each other to a high standard. Aren't we the lucky ones that we get the benefit of having beautifully and ethically made goods in our homes. Thanks to the artisans for keeping their traditions alive and thanks to Ehren for her work in collaborating with them on this journey.