Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Finding Unique Children's Clothing In Northern California

By
By Clinton Arnhold


As many people have discovered, the quality of common market children's clothing in Northern California has become rather disappointing. They tend to be cheaply made and either shrink with the first washing, fade, or bleed colors over other items in the same laundry load. The seams are poorly constructed and come apart easily enough to make a parent wary of every purchasing those brands again.

So what is your alternative? There are companies producing quality children's clothing in Northern California right now! Here's a list of some of the myriad good qualities of this clothing:

- The hand-loomed and hand-block printed high quality cotton is a hit with the kids. Adults are drawn to the fact that the clothes are made by artisans in an ethical environment and only natural dyes.

- This apparel can be passed down to younger ones when outgrown because they are stylish, casual, and made to be durable.

- The prints used on this clothing are original, and comes in both muted and vibrant colors

- These finely constructed clothes are handmade using heritage textiles, guaranteeing a natural hypoallergenic quality. The range of materials are created by the hands of artisans and include silk, wool, and wholesome cotton.

One such amazing heritage textile known as Kalamkari, has been in existence since the 13th century, originating in India. This is a complex process where a special pen, known as a kalam, is used in a fabric decorating craft that involves seventeen separate steps. Today, in Andhra Pradesh, a southeastern state, where weavers and artisans have shared their craft through many generations, this material is still manufactured.

The all natural dyes used in these clothes are created using plant stems, flowers, bark, leaves, minerals and choice metals. Each article of apparel is washed as many as 20 times after dying, before the fabric is deemed steadfast and ready for sale.

- Some of the children's clothing is designed with hand-block printing, which has a history of over 250 years of usage in India. First, a design is transferred to a specially prepared wooden block. Each distinct color requires a separate block, which give the appearance of a flat relief carving. Each block is then pressed steadily and firmly on the cloth in a slow and labor-intensive manner which yields unique and artistic results

- What could be nicer than t-shirts that are 100% fair trade and certified organic? Organic cotton uses no pesticides or synthetic fertilizer while it is grown, and GMO (genetically modified seeds) are ever used. All weeds are removed by hand during the growing process, and a fine balance between insects and their natural predators is maintained by using only healthy soil.

Fair trade, as defined by The World Trade Organization, is a partnership that has its basis in transparency, dialog, and respect, that aims to create more equality in international trading practices. The buyers agree to pay an acceptable price that provides the cotton producers and artisans a sustainable livelihood. Consumers who purchase these products get fine quality while doing their part to support social change.

Quality clothes for children are readily available.




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