Beginning - Sow & Reap
In the rural, mid-western regions of Nepal—Bajhang, Bajura, and Rolpa—where more than 80% of the population relies on agriculture, hemp has been a cornerstone of local livelihoods for centuries. Despite its illegal status for recreational use, hemp is cultivated for commercial purposes, and the craft of weaving has been passed down through generations. Every part of the hemp plant is utilized: the stalks for fibers, the seeds for oil, and the roots and leaves for tea and medicinal purposes.
After harvest, the stalks are left along riverbanks and beaten to soften the inner fibers. These fibers are then dried for about a week, depending on the weather. Once dried, they are separated, twisted, and transformed into yarn by hand. This process, which takes 2-4 weeks, is primarily carried out by local families within these villages.
During the monsoon season, when fieldwork is impractical, locals stay indoors and focus on yarn production. If you visit these villages during this time, you'll see someone working on yarn in nearly every house. This traditional method of hemp processing not only sustains the local economy but also preserves a rich cultural heritage.
WEAVE
After the hemp yarn is meticulously crafted in the rural heartlands of Nepal, it embarks on a journey to the capital city of Kathmandu. Here, local didis (sisters, in Nepali) breathe new life into these fibers. The yarn undergoes a thorough process of washing and natural drying before being introduced to traditional looms.
The use of these looms, still prevalent today, ensures that our fabrics retain an authentic, natural quality. This intricate weaving process, executed with grace and skill by our didis, transforms the yarn into beautiful, durable fabrics. The artistry and dedication of these women bring out the true essence of Nepalese hemp, creating fabrics that are as unique as the traditions they represent.
SEW
Once the fabrics are woven, they move to the tailoring stage where each product is meticulously crafted to perfection. A small production house, chosen for its ethical practices, handles the final stitching and finishing of all the products. This intricate and lengthy process culminates in a product with a rich story, so when you carry one of our bags, you are connected to its roots and journey.
We have cultivated close relationships with everyone in our supply chain. Before embarking on this journey, we carefully inspected the working conditions, facilities, wages, and regulations affecting our employees. Our commitment to these standards ensures that our partners are treated fairly and with respect. We take pride in establishing and maintaining these close relationships, which are the foundation of our products' integrity and quality.
MATERIALS
HEMP - All our bags are made of 100% Pure Hemp or Hemp Cotton Blended Fabrics. We wish our product to carry the traditional look and feel of hemp- rugged, strong and sometimes imperfect- just like how we all are. And the material only gets better with age!
COTTON - We currently use 100% cotton for the interior lining of our bags however we plan to approach even more natural ways of replacing industrial cotton in the future.
PACKAGING
We prioritize sustainability at every step of our production process, including our packaging. Our eco-friendly packaging is made from fully recycled and recyclable materials with zero plastic use. We use sturdy cardboard boxes to ensure our products arrive in perfect condition. Inside these boxes, each product is carefully placed in a recycled pet bottle string bag, providing additional protection and protecting the items from damage. This commitment to eco-friendly packaging reflects our dedication to preserving the environment while delivering high-quality, responsibly-made products to our customers.
To know more about us visit our website : www.truhemplifestyle.com
Get in touch with us : support@truhemplifestyle.com
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