tonic hand-knit pashmina sūtra scarves by citta
Citta and Tonic are pleased to announce our new, two-ply, 100 percent pashmina Sūtra Scarf, hand knit by the women of the Citta Himalaya Women's Center in Nepal. In Sanskrit, the word Sūtra means "a thread or line that holds things together" — a fitting image for a project uniting a very special community of women.
Designer Lucy Barnes provided her expertise to these luxurious pieces, available in mottled grey or camel and hand embroidered with special messages chosen by celebrity supporters. From David Bowie (who chose "funk") to Susan Sarandon ("awake") to Queen Latifah ("strength"), eight actors and musicians shared words that speak to their hearts. A Berkeley scholar then translated each one into Sanskrit and passed them on to the artisans from Citta's Women's Center for the finishing touch on this perfect winter accessory. (You can see a full list of the celebrities and the words they chose here.)
With the holidays upon us, they make the perfect gift for family, friends and (why not?) yourself!
our partner: citta and michael daube
In 1994, artist Michael Daube found a David Hockney drawing in the garbage as he was searching for sculpture materials. He used the proceeds from the picture's sale to help fund a cause he had come to care deeply about: the needs of underserved communities abroad. Inspired by resilient but struggling women he met in India and Nepal, Daube founded Citta — the name meaning "compassionate mind" in Sanskrit. By providing assistance to marginalized or indigenous communities in economic need, Citta helps to create infrastructures that can be maintained by the communities themselves.
Driven by Daube's inspiration, Citta provides overarching support for numerous hospitals and entrepreneurial initiatives in Asia. Committed to his work abroad, Daube balances humanitarian efforts with a true commitment to his creative side, thriving as a working artist in New York City.
Read more about Michael Daube and Citta here.
Photo courtesy of Anna Gabriel
your impact
By purchasing one of Tonic and Citta's limited-edition pashmina Sūtra Scarves, you are not only treating yourself to a beautiful new piece of wearable art, you are also helping to support the women who made them. The artisans at the Women's Center in Bhaktipur, one of Citta's beneficiaries, gain skills that they can use to provide for their families while keeping their cultural traditions alive.
Due to the economic state of Nepal, many of the women there have survived hardships (such as the loss of a husband) or may be sole breadwinners for families plagued by alcoholism or violence. Trained in knitting, embroidery, beadwork, quilting and jewelry-making, they've been able to reclaim their independence, self-sufficiency and sense of healthy community.
For more on the story behind the scarves, be sure to read Tonic's article here.
UPDATE: Our l'il scarves are getting a whole lot of press. Here's a sampling:
Photos courtesy of Citta.org
Liz Sheehan
posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:26 PM
LOVED IT - makes anyone want to buy these scarves. I will do so for Xmas gifts and encourage others to do so as well. Props on a fine video!
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