Rising Tide Fair Trade works with artisans in developing countries who earn a fair wage, enabling them to support their families and achieve a sustainable business operation. The fair trade artisans we work with earn roughly 60 percent more than they would for comparable factory jobs. Since most of the artisans have the choice to work from home, they can tend to their children while contributing to the family income.
Each textile is individually chosen for our collections. Each Rising Tide Fair Trade product is one-of-a-kind, fair trade and Co-Op America approved. A percentage of our profits are donated to philanthropic programs that educate and equip under served young women with the skills needed to secure employment or start a business.
Kantha is popular in West Bengal, India. Worn by Bengali women, it is known for its delicate embroidery. Kantha is really the name for the method itself, rather than the sari. Any garment or cloth with kantha embroidery (which forms or outlines decorative motifs with a running stitch) is a kantha garment. Kantha stitching is also used to make simple quilts. Women in Bengal typically use old saris and cloth and layer them with kantha stitch to make a light blanket or throw or bedspread, especially for children.
The quilts are also called "Ralli" (or rilli) derived from the local word ralanna meaning to mix or connect. Ralli quilts were often collected as a status of wealth and used for daughters’ dowries in marriage.