Organic Exchange has released its latest market research report on the organic cotton market. You can download the executive summary or purchase the full report here.
I defined Slow Cloth several years ago on this blog. Read the original post at http://lainie.typepad.com/redthread/2008/01/this-must-be-th-1.html. (Copyright Elaine Lipson 2007-2011; all rights reserved).
Joy
Slow Cloth has the possibility of joy in the process. In other words, the journey matters as much as the destination.
Contemplation
Slow Cloth offers the quality of meditation or contemplation in the process.
Skill
Slow Cloth involves skill and has the possibility of mastery.
Diversity
Slow Cloth acknowledges the rich diversity and multicultural history of textile art.
Teaching
Slow Cloth honors its teachers and lineage even in its most contemporary expressions.
Materials
Slow Cloth is thoughtful in its use of materials and respects their source.
Quality
Slow Cloth artists, designers, crafters and artisans want to make things that last and are well-made.
Beauty
It's in the eye of the beholder, yes, but it's in our nature to reach for beauty and create it where we can.
Community
Slow Cloth supports community by sharing knowledge and respecting relationships.
Expression
Slow Cloth is expressive of individuals and/or cultures. The human creative force is reflected and evident in the work.
All original words and images on this blog are the property of Elaine Marie Lipson, copyright 2007 - 2011, with all rights reserved. You may reprint portions of my work under the terms of a Creative Commons license as long as you are doing so for non-commercial purposes, without altering the work, and provide full attribution. It's also a professional courtesy to link back to this site if you paraphrase or quote me. Non-original work on this site is attributed as such.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/
Yoga Works! Research into yoga's benefits, written for Yoga Journal magazine.
One Nation, Organically Grown Written for Organic Valley Family of Farms shortly after the finalization of federal organic standards
La Vida Local: Support Regional Foods I wrote a column on organic retailing and business for Natural Grocery Buyer, a now-defunct trade magazine. This 2005 column was a favorite.