Fair-Trade Italian Cushions and Rugs, Exclusively from Tactile Interiors

Surrey, United Kingdom, March 28, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Eco-friendly textiles have something of a poor reputation. But, as more people look for eco alternatives to decorate their homes, a handful of designers have stepped up to the challenge. SoFarSoNear is the first Italian company to source Fair Trade fabrics, and the results are breathtaking. Drawing on the traditional handicrafts of Nepal and Thailand, SoFarSoNear has conceived a beautiful range of tactile rugs and cushions that is far from hippy hemp – and perfect for modern living.

Made from the softest Nepalese wool, rugs are hand-printed with elegant, contemporary designs.

Paysage Fiabesque (150cm dia) is a floral design for spring. The pure wool is hand-dyed with natural colours, then left to dry in the sun. The craftspeople who make these rugs and cushions are employed by Mahaguthi, a Fair Trade organisation based in Nepal.

Pebble cushions are made from the same Nepalese wool. These organically-shaped cushions are made by hand in Nepal.

SoFarSoNear’s innovative fair trade range – the first from Italy – also includes a selection of pure silk cushions. The fabric for each cushion is hand-loomed by craftspeople in Thai villages, then transported to Milan to be turned into glamorous cushions.

Summer Cushion is an iconic design featuring bubbles on a rich lemon background.

Zebra Cushion is perfect for setting a minimalist theme. Every cushion in the range is filled with 100% British wool and finished in Milan.

For more information:
Telephone Jane Papa on 07981 790 391
Email press@tactile-interiors.co.uk
High-resolution images available on request.

Notes:
1. Tactile Interiors was founded in 2007 by interior designer Jane Papa. The online store features home accessories which are chosen with an eco-friendly and fair-trade agenda: products made from recycled milk bottles and plastics, beeswax candles, dining tables made from reclaimed wood, and biodegradable kitchenware.
2. The pure woollen felt used to make the rugs and cushions are from fair trade sources, produced according to designs by ACP and Mahaguthi ; both associations are member of IFAT (International Federation of Alternative Trade – see www.ifat.org) and Fair Trade Forum Nepal.
3. The cushions are made from fair trade raw silk, hand loomed and hand printed in Thailand by Thaicraft – an independent Fair Trade company marketing quality handicrafts made by village groups of artisans in all parts of Thailand.
4. All designs are by SoFarSoNear, Milan.

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