Fabulous Fabrics: Bishopston Trading Company (U.K.)

By Kelly Rand / January 6, 2009 / 1 minute of reading

The Bishopston Trading Company wears their heart on their sleeve and walks the walk. The company offers up clothing, jewelry, bedding, as well as fabric by the meter. Their wares are made from organic fibers that are certified both organic and Fairtrade.

Their fabric collection is populated with bright, airy colors that give off a sturdy and durable vibe. There are several solids in the mix as well as limited strips and one small plaid in the offering. The cotton used in their fabrics has not been genetically modified and it is dyed using traditional methods that are easier on the environment.

The company seems to be transparent about their materials, factory and policies; all to the benefit of people and the planet.

You can read all about where their fabrics are made (in K.V. Kuppam, India), how it is Fairtrade (health care and a living wage), why they chose to use organic cotton (pesticides) and how the profit from their sales benefit K.V. Kuppam. They even go so far as to forgo a print catalogue because of the cost and waste, and they use minimal packaging in their products.

Bishopston Trading Company has fully thought through all aspects of sustainable development, hitting the environmental, social and economic capital just right.

About The Author

Kelly Rand

Kelly covers visual arts in and around Washington, DC for DCist and is editor of Crafting a Green World. Kelly has also been published by Bust Magazine and you can find her byline at Indie Fixx and Etsy’s Storque and has taught in Etsy’s virtual lab on the topic of green crafting. Kelly helps organize Crafty Bastards: Arts and Crafts Fair, one of the largest indie craft fairs on the east coast and has served on the Craft Bastard’s jury since 2007. Kelly is also co-founder of Hello Craft a nonprofit trade association dedicated to the advancement of independent crafters and the handmade movement. Kelly resides in Washington, D.C. and believes that handmade will save the world.