Kindness by Review: One Colour

In November last year I was fortunate enough to chat with Di Stitt - the Founder of ethical label One Colour. Now I'm delighted to take a closer look at some of their amazing and empowering products, including: Kenana Knitter Critters, the Martha Shell Top and the exquisite range of East African tribal dolls.

How completely adorable is this fella? He and his friends have been lovingly hand-knitted from organic cotton yarn by the female artisans of Kenana Knitters in Tanzania. I love that each creature comes with the name of the specific artisan who created them!

Since its foundation by local Kenyan Patricia Nightingale in 1998, Kenana Knitters has "taught women in the area to knit beautiful, organic products using local, sustainable resources". 

These delightful products are also available in leopard, lion, tiger, zebra, elephant and monkey. Being individually made, each character is distinct...even within a species! 

I can also confirm that Kenna Knitter Critters are highly huggable for both adults and toddlers alike...

Late last year One Colour was awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ in the Kids’ Product category as a distributor of Kenana Knitter toys, at the inaugural Green Lifestyle Awards. 

 
One Colour has now launched their new collaborative collection with Viva Africa called Detour. Inspired by Founder Di Stitt's travels through Kenya, Paris and Namibia, the collection includes both dresses and separates. According to One Colour, each piece has been created by skilled Kenyan tailors who are employed in a clean, safe environment. They are paid award wages and entitlements and have access to further training.

I took the Martha Shell Top in fawn out for a spin! This extremely versatile top is made from 100% African grown, rain fed cotton from small scale farmers. 

The fabric feels lovely and soft on your skin and the top is just as easy to wear with shorts as it is to dress up. 

 
Added bonus? My new top seems to be very attractive to cats! =^..^= You can also purchase the Martha Shell Top in ebony, white and starlight blue. 

My final treasure from One Colour is this beautiful Kikuyu Dancer, which has been hand-stitched by the ladies at Dolly Craft based in Kangemi.

The creation of these charming dolls helps to generate income for women living in the Kangemi Slum, putting food on the table, paying school fees and covering basic medical needs.