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Design Blog Design Blog » Fashioning Felt » Felt in Haiti

Felt in Haiti

  • By: Susan Brown
  • | Friday July 31, 2009
  • | 9 Comment(s)


I had the pleasure of meeting recently with Ton Vriens, a Dutch documentary filmmaker and journalist who, through his foundation Turtle Tree, is working with women in Haiti to develop a felt-making co-operative, with the goal of achieving economic and social independence for the members of the self-governed group.

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere, and many women there are the sole providers for extended families. This highly motivated group, which calls itself Fanm Veret, Wi Nou Kapab! (The Women of Verrettes, Yes We Can Do It), has earned a grant from the Spanish regional government of Andalusia to assist with the legal process of becoming a co-operative, and to provide business training. Turtle Tree is assisting with product development by inviting American designers and felt makers to lead workshops in the crafts of felting and needlework. While there is no felting tradition in the region, it has the advantage of not requiring expensive specialized equipment. (Turtle Tree has started a second, more long-range project, of re-introducing the organic cotton cultivation which used to be a major part of Haiti’s economy). Fanm Veret imports 100% organic wool from Thirteen Mile Lamb & Wool Co. in Montana. Because the wool is very soft, and the hand-dyed colors are subtle, the finished products have a higher level of refinement than products coming out of Central Asia, where the wool tends to be quite coarse. The women are currently producing simple and beautiful covers for iPhone and iPod, 13” MacBook and MacBook Air.

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Comments

  1. Is Tom filming a film on the women in Haiti and if so where can we view documentary?
    I am a felter that makes hats and embellished pins
    what a great project to empower women …great project…….any additional information on project greatly appreciated

    Kimberly | Aug 5, 02:31 PM

  2. Dear Kimberly, Thank you for your interest in Fanm Veret, the felters group in Haiti. The journey has been as rocky and dramatic as you can expect in this troubled country. I am filming as much as I can and hopefully this will result in a documentary that tells the story of Fanm Veret. Please follow us from Labor Day on on the internet, www.turtletreefoundation.org.
    And please share your craft and designs with us. Thank you again, Ton Vriens

    Ton Vriens | Aug 14, 03:58 PM

  3. I am a felter and have visited Haiti. I’m always happy to hear about others learning to felt. It is wonderful to learn about this project in Haiti. It is a special place and I look forward to learning more about the project.

    Barbara Kile | Aug 18, 07:31 PM

  4. We look forward to seeing the film& hearing more of this project. Felting is truly Magical and can transform many people and change their lives forever, it has done this for me. My family is now three generations of feltmakers.www.spiritedhandsstudio.com
    Sally Hall

    Sally Hall | Aug 28, 10:10 AM

  5. HI Tom. I worked with a similar group of women in South Africa. I would like to send a few of my hatshapers if you believe they might be useful. Please contact me at the address I listed if you think the women could benefit by making loose fiber- felted hats and would use some lightweight ABS plastic hat blocks. The SA group seemed to profit with their hats as they struggle to make survive by bringing in money to support their families as well. God Bless You on your journey to promote these brave women with such determination.
    Carol

    Carol Marston | Aug 28, 11:14 AM

  6. How far is Verrettes from Port-au-Prince? Which way? I am also a feltmaker, who spent eighteen months living in Haiti. I would love to know more about the project. It sounds like a wonderful idea. Is there a way we can stay in touch or contribute?

    Leah Adams | Aug 29, 01:56 AM

  7. Well done .I do felt in South Africa and have seen how healing the felting process can be. I wish the women great healing and sucess.I would love to see your doccy. Good luck!

    Ronel jordaan | Aug 30, 08:03 AM

  8. Hi Ton vriens, I will be going to Haiti in a few months. I would love to visit this place when I get . Can I get more information about it.

    Rachel Jones | Oct 10, 11:43 AM

  9. I would like information on Fashioning Felt as a travel exhibition. When is it available and what are the costs involved?

    Myra Block | Mar 11, 02:36 PM

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