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Q: What does "STOPstart" (of STOPstart Enterprises) actually mean?
Q: What are your recycled bags made from? Where does the material originate? What language is that?
Q: Will the bag I receive look JUST like the picture?
Q: Can I get the (fish or mermaid) motif in a different color?
Q: What is "homespun" silk? I see it mentioned in the Olivia and Patchwork handbags
Q: What is a "ruche" design? I see this mentioned in the Lulu, Yasmine, and Mia evening bags
Q: How DO the women of Fuente de Pino actually create those pine needle baskets?
Q: What does "STOPstart" (of STOPstart Enterprises) actually mean?
A: The name "STOPstart" means "STOP the (human) trafficking and START a new life". STOPstart seeks to provide employment for individuals who have been rescued and restored out of human trafficking (slavery) and extreme abuse that occurs within Cambodian society. By providing training and jos, STOPstart assists individuals in the restorative process by providing hope, dignity, and a livelihood - all essential ingredients for their new life! (top)
Q: What are your recycled bags made from? Where does the material originate? What language is that?
A: We invite you to click this link to read our Origin of Our Recycled Rice Bag" article. (top)
Q: Will the bag I receive look JUST like the picture?
A: On the larger bags (totes, handbags, etc.) where you see an actual motif in the picture, the answer is "WYSIWYG" (What you see is what you get)! The product you get will closely match in shade and the motif that you loved WILL be on the bag. On smaller bags and wallets, the motif is too large for the bag, so it will vary somewhat depending upon which portion of the recycled bag was used. (top)
Q: Can I get the (fish or mermaid) motif in a different color?
A: Unfortunately, no. You will recall that these products are created from large sacks which already have been printed with writing and logos related to their first "life". In most cases, the particular fish motif is found ONLY on that specific colored sack. Now the sacks are recycled, washed, and dried in preparation for their second "life" as one of STOPstart's NEW and fun products. (top)
Q: What is "homespun" silk? I see it mentioned in the Olivia and Patchwork handbags
A: Cambodia has a long history of sericulture (silk production) and most of the silk used in our bags is hand-woven. If the texture of the fabric is "smooth", commercially-spun thread is used, which has a tighter and more consistent "twist". Homespun thread has a looser, less consistent "twist" because a manual spinning wheel cannot achieve the same results as a commercial machine. The resulting cloth has a "tweed" look. (top)
Q: What is a "ruche" design? I see this mentioned in the Lulu, Yasmine, and Mia evening bags
A: Ruching is a ;French term which means "to gather, ruffle, or pleat". It is a sewing technique in which fabric or ribbon is evenly folded, gathered and stitched in a repeating pattern to form ruffles, scallops, or petals. The technique has been used for many years to decorate clothing or home furnishings to achieve added visual detail. Modern technology has allowed seamstresses to use multiple tools to create precise, even ruching, keeping the technique current. (top)
Q: How DO the women of Fuente de Pino actually create those pine needle baskets?
A: Please enjoy reading the "back story" of their pine needle products, by clicking the link. (top) |
