Himalyan Naari
/Handcrafted Knits Empowering Women in the Himalayas
Some products do more than keep us warm.
They connect us to a story, a tradition, and the people whose hands carefully crafted them.
That's one of the many reasons we're excited to highlight Himalayan Naari, a remarkable Fair Trade artisan collective whose beautiful spring/summer hand-knits and cotton totes are now available here at the market.
We have been selling @HimalayanNaari winter outerwear and accessories since 2022.
We know so many of you look forward to shopping their winter outerwear here at EWCM all through the cooler seasons. Now that warmer temps are here, we are excited to have in stock their Spring line of crocheted lightweight hats and scarves and their ‘resist’ hats.
As always, these have Naari’s signature high quality, detail, and wonderful softness. These make wonderful gifts and are lasting staples for yourself too!
Nestled in the mountains of northern India, Himalayan Naari was created to support women artisans living in remote Himalayan villages. For generations, these women have practiced traditional knitting and weaving techniques, creating warm wool garments for their families and communities. Yet despite their extraordinary skills, economic opportunities in these regions have often been limited.
In 2013, Himalayan Naari was established to help bridge that gap by connecting these talented artisans with global markets and creating sustainable income opportunities for women and their families. Today, more than 70 women artisans participate in the collective, earning fair wages while preserving cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The name "Naari" is the Hindi word for woman, but it also carries a deeper meaning—representing strength, resilience, and grace. Those qualities are woven into every piece they create.
Himalayan Naari's cool weather collection includes hand-knit hats, mittens, scarves, blankets, and other wool accessories crafted using traditional techniques and contemporary designs. Each piece reflects both the artistry of the individual maker and the rich textile heritage of the Himalayan region.
As a verified member of the Fair Trade Federation, Himalayan Naari is committed to ethical production practices, fair compensation, and community development. Their work not only supports artisans financially but also helps strengthen local communities through education, leadership opportunities, and long-term economic empowerment.
What we especially love about Himalayan Naari is the way their mission aligns with the values we strive to support at EWCM: thoughtful craftsmanship, sustainable practices, community resilience, and products that carry a deeper story.
In a world increasingly filled with mass-produced goods, there's something special about knowing exactly where a product came from and who made it. Every stitch represents hours of skilled handwork, generations of knowledge, and a meaningful opportunity for women to support themselves and their families.
As Vermont's colder months eventually return, these beautiful handcrafted pieces offer warmth in more ways than one.
We invite you to stop by the market, explore the collection, and discover the story behind Himalayan Naari. When you purchase one of their hand-knit creations, you're not simply buying a hat, scarf, or pair of gloves—you're helping support artisans, preserve traditional skills, and strengthen communities half a world away.
And that's a story worth wearing.
