(Jeff Abbott is a regular contributor at The Pen Addict. You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution and Twitter.)
It's not every day that we get the pleasure of writing about a company that exists because of a non-profit program that teaches under-privileged people a skill from which they can earn a living, so that's why I'm really excited to tell you about SHEdesigns out of Nepal. The pen wrap that I've been using is actually from HelloTello — a custom pen maker out of Ohio who includes a pen wrap from SHEdesigns with every pen purchase. Here's a description of SHEdesigns' history and mission from their website:
The vision for SHEdesigns began in 2015 when a cross cultural worker from the US moved to a remote village of Nepal. It was a region that was known for staggering poverty and human trafficking. An initial survey revealed multiple risk factors that perpetuated the issues villagers were facing. Partnering with a local non-profit, they established a sewing program which grew into the business that SHEDesigns is today. This small initiative has had a huge impact – not only for the ten women who have been empowered through employment there but for the entire community surrounding them who have been affected in ways that will benefit generations to come!
This is the kind of inspiring and uplifting that I can get behind all day long. According to their website, they haven't quite launched to the public, but they're obviously hard at work making beautiful hand-sewn products. Purchasing a beautiful pen from HelloTello is a great way to get one of these pen wraps.
The pen wrap I have in front of me is a mostly medium red/gold color scheme that includes lots of shiny/reflective bits in the fabric and string. It's a thing of beauty that is both functional and a piece of art.
The pen wrap design is a pouch and flap that closes with a string. Simple but effective design! There's plenty of room for a single pen, and I'm sure you could stuff a couple more in if you wanted to. I prefer the idea that this wrap is meant for a single pen that has specific meaning or sentimental value over a more utilitarian case that's purpose is to hold as much stuff as possible. The exterior fabric is a lovely pattern with lots of right angles and rectangles of different shades of red and gold. Some of the thread is sparkly, which adds so much visual interest to the wrap.
Inside the wrap, the fabric is a velvet-like dark red or maroon that is really soft. The pouch that holds your pen actually has some stitching at either end of the opening to make it more secure. Instead of a large envelope opening, there's a a half inch pocket on each end of the pouch that the pen can slide into for some extra security. It's a thoughtful design that works great in practice.
Once your pen is in the sleeve, closing it and securing it a simple matter. Just wrap the string around the ca a couple times and tuck the string under itself with the help of the bead at the end. No need for any knots or double-tucks — the string stays secure with the friction created by one tuck, and that also means it's still easy to unwrap. After a little practice, the act of opening or closing the wrap takes just a second.
This is such a simple product that looks amazing and functions perfectly, but knowing where it came from makes it even more special. I'll enjoy telling the story to people that inevitably comment or compliment the wrap (happens often due to the eye-catching fabric), and I'll also look forward to supporting their shop directly when they open.
You can keep an eye on their website and their Instagram account for any news!
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