Pillow Production Challenges – Surprising?
I have been excitedly waiting for the update on the tooth fairy pillow that is now affectionately being referred to as the “Buduburam” after the refugee camp where it is being sourced and crafted. The women in Buduburam that comprise the batiking (fabric dying process) and seamstress group are capable of creating amazing pieces. I have seen dresses, purses, and computer bags that are absolutely beautiful – in both the fabric designs, as well as the craftsmanship. You can imagine my surprise, then, when the update I received was, “The power has been out, and the sewing machine they just purchased requires power – the sewing machine that does the zig-zag stitch on the pillow. So, unfortunately, there’s not been much done on the tooth fairy pillow recently.”
Wow. Can you imagine? Having your livelihood being hinged on something as basic as power? We experience it once in a while, especially with our technology. The other night I was needing to update information on the web but the server was down. I found my self frustrated and feeling rather helpless, but I can’t imagine what these women must be facing. Days without power, no indication of when those circumstances might change, but their very livelihood being dependent on it.
This situation is very similar to an earlier update I received regarding the fabric I was using for the ‘Buduburam’ tooth fairy pillow. Water, as you can imagine, is a high-demand/low-supply commodity. Although these women had been promised water, there just wasn’t enough to go around. For those of you who have dyed fabric, you know it requires water. The women had to halt their batiking, resulting in Sorrisi not receiving any beautifully dyed fabric and the women not able to do their craft.
No power, no water. Two challenges we rarely face (at least, here in Seattle). I am so thankful for our incredible resources, and I am so in awe of these women who go to work each day not knowing if they will have what they need to do their work. We have much to learn, and so much for which we can give thanks.