The Krochet Kid's want to create sustainable economic development programs that support holistic growth of individuals and communities within developing nations...You know the old saying, "Feed a man a fish and he will eat for a day.  Teach a man to fish and he will eat forever."  Well, that's Krochet Kid's mission....but instead of fish, this enterprising group of individuals are using hand-crochet beanies.

Founded upon love, the Krochet Kids now have 10 Ugandan women in their Krochet Program who not only learn how to knit, but receive a reliable salary and are involved in a financial education program that teaches them the aspects of small business management.

Many of the women who participate in this program are young, single mothers, young adult orphans heading one or more household9s), those formely abducted, affected by HIV/AIDS, or displaced from their homes.
The beanies come in an assortment of styles and colors knitted using wool or acrylic blend yarns.  Regardless of the beanie you choose, each beanie bears the handwritten name of the women who knitted the hat and a "Love Africa" tag...endearing and personal, clothing with a history and a story that can be worn and passed on.  Now, that's what I call spreading the love.

Project Runway's Season 5 winner, Leanne Marshall, has unveiled a sneak peek  of her new sustainable collection for Bluefly.com.

Available exclusively at the online retailer starting July 8, the nine-piece collection includes a tank and a tunic in two colorways, a skirt, jacket, and three different dresses.  Prices range from $98-$990.

Source: Treehugger.com

Durable and malleable, leather is an ideal material for reusing and upcycling. Seizing that potential, reMade USA just launched a line of stylish handbags made from used and scrap leather. reMade's bags were initially made from leather jackets found in charity stores, with details based on the original garments. The company now also gets cast-offs from the furniture and automotive industries.

reMade has around 10–15 different bags available for order on its website at any time, currently ranging in price from USD 125–365. If they'd like to breathe new life into a garment they no longer wear, customers can also supply their own leather jacket and request a design based on one of reMade's models. Hand-crafted in San Francisco, stamped with its own unique serial number, and lined with a recycled silk scarf, each bag is inherently unique.

reMade isn't the first to make leather jackets into bags. But as planet-friendly products jostle for attention, it's not enough just to be green.

How to stand out and create a sustainable business on top of a sustainable product? reMade's founder, Shannon South, demonstrates the importance of building a brand: using good design and photography; showing the process and telling a story; and adding charming and recognizable details like a silk scarf lining. (Related: Luxe upcycling: from cashmere sweaters to (very) soft toys — From 1950s pommel horses to 2008 gym bags.)

Website: www.remadeusa.com
Contact: [email protected]

Spotted by: Edward Cotton

Original Source: Springwise.com