817 Regal Drive Southwest, Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Who Are We?
We are the first and only nonprofit fair trade enterprise in Alabama. Our retail store sells unique handcrafted items from more than 30 developing nations around the world. Each item is handmade by artisans (many are women who belong to fair trade cooperatives) using natural materials, reflecting the countries in which they were made. Fair living wages are paid directly to the artisans, allowing them to obtain basic needs for themselves and their families including food, healthcare and education. Our sole mission is to help eradicate poverty by promoting the economic progress of people in these developing countries. We give all profits from our sales back to organizations that share our same vision. Since our beginning, we have donated over $260,000 to 40 organizations such as Bead for Life, Living Waters, Dining for Women, Amazima, Ghana Relief, Women's Bean Project, The Fistula Foundation, Friends of Refugees and Kiva (micro-loan projects).
Our Beginning
“Be bold, be aggressive and select something that will not fail” was the challenge that the leader gave to a small Bible study group to start the New Year. Linda Worley, current owner of Patches and Stitches in Huntsville, AL, took that challenge seriously. Starting a Trade Fair shop had been buried in the back of her mind for several years. She decided that this was the time to launch her ideas. She invited a small group of women to dinner and shared her thoughts. She and three other friends, who shared her passion, were willing to take on the project. Together they researched, visited a Ten Thousand Village store in Nashville, incorporated, wrote bylaws, painted, borrowed furniture, built shelving, had signs made, set up bookkeeping and raised $7000 to purchase merchandise. The doors opened in October 2006 with a small inventory of beautiful handmade items. The store has continued to operate since, solely with non-paid volunteers.
What is Fair Trade?
Fair trade organizations are part of a global movement devoted to ensuring that farmers and craftspeople in developing countries are paid promptly and fairly so they are able to earn a decent wage. Fair trade principals support safe and empowering working conditions that are free of discrimination and forced labor and ensure that the rights of children are protected. Fair trade supports the poorest of the poor in these communities who often face steep hurdles in finding markets and customers for their goods. To learn more information about Fair Trade principles visit the Fair Trade Federation at https://www.fairtradefederation.org/
Our Merchandise
Unique Jewelry
Pottery / Porcelain
Linens / Pillows
Glassware
Wooden Bowls
Kitchen Decor
Crosses
Greeting Cards
Handmade Baskets
Puzzle Boxes
Beautiful Scarves
Home Decor
Handbags
Leather Wallets
Metal Art
Picture Frames
Divine Chocolates
Soup, Cookie & Spice Mixes
Children Items
Gourds / Bird Houses
Soapstone Figurines
Wall Hangings
Seasonal Holiday Gifts