Gayle Lemmon is author of The Dressmaker of Khair Khana and the deputy director of the Council on Foreign Relations’ Women and Foreign Policy program. She has reported on entrepreneurship in conflict zones since 2005 for publications including The New York Times, International Herald Tribune, and The Financial Times.
When it comes to war stories, women are often left out or overlooked. And yet, when it comes to the hard work of pulling families through a war, it is mothers, sisters, wives and aunts who ensure there is a community to return to when the fighting ends.
I want to celebrate the unsung heroines who fight to keep families afloat during impossible times, and that is why I wrote The Dressmaker of Khair Khana. It’s a universal story about the power of faith, hope, hard work and determination, as well as a reminder of the power of women entrepreneurs to create great opportunity from the smallest of openings.
Crafting — sewing, handicrafts, basket making — is often the skill that enables women to not only support their own families, but to create jobs for many others. That is the case in The Dressmaker — the true story of a living room tailoring business that created jobs and hope for women at a time when they could not even be on the street. This is the case for so many entrepreneurs I have met in the six years in which I have reported on women in war zones.
One of my first stories was about a Rwandan woman who ran a basket company. Among those weaving with her were women who had either lost their husbands in the 1994 Rwandan genocide or whose husbands had taken part in the killing. The baskets they made together in rural Rwanda sold in the shiny halls of Macy’s department store in New York. No matter what divided them politically, business and the desire to earn for their families united them.
Photo by US Global Leadership Campaign
Kamila Sidiqi speaking about the future of Afghanistan at the US Global Leadership Campaign in 2005.
Another memorable entrepreneur I met was a Bosnian woman running a gleaming new linen factory near the war’s former front line in Sarajevo. During the war she sewed pillow cases and bed linens by hand in an empty garage and sold what she made at markets throughout Bosnia’s capital. Her work supported more than a dozen members of her family, including her husband and son, who were off fighting. From an aging sewing machine she created a business that today employs more than two dozen. She still has her old machine, but she keeps it only to remind her of how far she has come.
In the course of reporting on women entrepreneurs in some of the world’s toughest places, I’ve learned that women turn to business and to crafting because it enables them to earn a living for the families who count on them. Caring for those they love — without seeking credit and with almost no one paying attention — is what women do every day, all around the world, often in the face of enormous obstacles.
As Kamila, the protagonist of The Dressmaker, told me during our first meeting, “Money is power for women.” Power to help others, power to support families and even power to make the world better.
Join @gaylelemmon and @Etsy on Thursday, June 9 at 3:30 p.m. ET for a live Twitter chat (use hashtag #craftingthefuture) as we discuss the power of entrepreneurship and its ability to make a difference in women’s lives. (The chat will be moderated by @caliyost, @reshmasaujani and @vitalvoices.)
Check out Gayle’s reporting and follow her on Twitter at @gaylelemmon. You can also find an interview with Gayle about The Dressmaker at Library Journal.
170 comments
Sign in to add your ownMegansMenagerie says:
Amazing article! Thanks for sharing! =)
349 days ago
NecessiTees says:
Very moving & profound article! Thanks, Gayle!
349 days ago
anitabist says:
wow nice one thx for sharing
349 days ago
bootmeister says:
amazing!
349 days ago
redhardwick says:
Wow, what an amazing story! Reminds me that the small things are not worth complaining about! Thanks for sharing. :)
349 days ago
pitterpattertutus says:
Wow, so powerful. Are there any microinvesting opportunities tied to this work?
349 days ago
earlybirdcreations says:
A book that needs to be read! Thanks for bringing it to our attention :)
349 days ago
OldSoulsMarket says:
Thank you! Looking for your book to buy right now!!! So inspiring!
349 days ago
BlushEnvy says:
I want to have words that convey how I feel, but I'm lost other than moves me to tears. Would so love to read and hear more about these women and their stories.
349 days ago
TheCreativeCloset says:
Awesome & Inspiring Article! Now to read the book which looks to be that and more.
349 days ago
blackgermanshepherd says:
Interesting.
349 days ago
kilas says:
If you're interested in continuing the discussion, please join Gayle and Etsy on Thursday June 9th at 3:30 pm EST for a Live Twitter Chat (use hashtag #craftingthefuture) as we discuss the power entrepreneurship has to create change and make a difference in women’s lives.
349 days ago
gerkeeper says:
I am going and getting your book right this minute. Thank you for writing it!
349 days ago
TheScarfTree says:
Beautiful story and fantastic to highlight what these woman have done to make money and get ahead, in all the countries you mention! They show immense courage to push past all boundaries and their risk factors are so high....and then to succeed! Well done to them! Thanks for sharing! All the best!
349 days ago
ShilohWinterJewelry says:
Amazing women and their lives and hard work need to be celebrated and recognized! Thank you for creating this book and raising awareness! I have been following stories like this for quite awhile at Change.org . So many women around the world have been explotied and are victims of human traffikking. These jobs provide a way for them to make a way for themselves and their families, so they don't get victimized. It is empowering. This is SO important! I applaud all these hard-working, courageous women!
349 days ago
cypressavenue says:
Inspiring & interesting
349 days ago
TheLittleRagamuffin says:
My mother recently finished this book and passed it along to me. Since then it has been sitting on my shelf waiting patiently. I just finished the book I had been reading yesterday and it looks like I know what I'm reading next.
349 days ago
myvintagecrush says:
Great post! Amazing women!
349 days ago
lorenabr says:
Wonderful article!
349 days ago
modulem says:
Just about the most beautiful thing I have read on Etsy. Wishing for the world to change and see how amazing women are.
349 days ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Interesting article, I do think women getting themselves out there is empowering its good to see around the world : )
349 days ago
swiedebie says:
A great article, and very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
349 days ago
annashoub says:
Wow, puts a whole new perspective on things. Wonderful article.
349 days ago
LondonHandspun says:
This is real, real life. My grandmother did a similar thing during World War Two in The Netherlands, using her sewing and crafting skills to keep her household of 6+ children going through the war and assisting her neighbors too. Me and my children donate to an Afghan village through ActionAid.org, which offers courses in Afghanistan teaching tailoring skills (and giving sewing machines and basic supplies) to widows or their children in order to help them earn a living. Thank you so much for this story.
349 days ago
simplyworn says:
empowering story and it brings into perspective how powerful and creative women are all over the world.
349 days ago
Saxiib says:
Very inspiring! It reminds me of the Proverbs 31 woman in the Bible.
349 days ago
PruAtelier says:
It's truly sad how all the wars have left many people around the world nearly penniless and with scant little to live on. People like these women show that after all is said and done, deep from the depths of darkness, there is always light at the end of the tunnel!
349 days ago
HibouCards says:
Amazing! I will get the book :) Thanks for sharing!
349 days ago
piecesofelises says:
I would love to read the book. I think sometimes, especially in the US, people take for granted the means and opportunities people have. Sometimes I get down about what has happened to my family financially over the past few years, how money is tight, and how I can't afford all the art supplies and materials that I would like to have. But reading this article and seeing the sentence where it said the protagonist had a "tailoring business that created jobs and hope for women at a time when they could not even be on the street", proved to me that if she could make it in her situation, with less resources than what I have available to me, in a land that is not wartorn, what am I complaining about? Thanks for this article. It is very motivating, and it makes me want to start getting busy and to do my best to make the best of what I have. And I agree with Saxiib, it does remind me too of Proverbs 31:10 about the capable wife. I hope I can be a capable daughter and do what I can with my Etsy shops to help my family.
349 days ago
tigersanddragons says:
I will definately read the book. Over the last couple of years I have read several articles about microlending programs to help African women support their families by sewing and crafting. In some areas the culture is such that even when women are married, they are the workers and breadwinners and their husbands contribute very little. In comparison, we have is so easy in the Western World.
349 days ago
TheTealBoutique says:
These women are truly such hard workers, and doing it all to support their families. When things are bad, I often think of women like them, who work very very hard just to have a little bit of food for their children.
349 days ago
JudiPaintedit says:
Awesome!!
349 days ago
studionancy says:
very inspiring. thank you
349 days ago
Waterrose says:
It seems that in every country, region in the world where there is conflict and strife women continue on to do what they can for their family and country. We don't think much about women in the US going through these same scenes, but during the Revolutionary and Civil War women created their handcrafts for income and to provide comfort to their loved ones.
349 days ago
lju999 says:
I purchased this book over a month ago, but have not made time to read it. Now I need to know more about this story of strong women. Thank you so much!
349 days ago
Ringocrafts says:
Great article. Really makes you realize any tiny thing or person can make a huge difference.
349 days ago
kcjo says:
Thanks for sharing. This is so inspiring!
349 days ago
thevelvetheart says:
Fascinating and inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
349 days ago
WeeWoollyBurros says:
Great article. We bought and read the book a few months ago after we first heard it on The Diane Rehm Show (NPR). American journalist, Gayle Tzemach Lemmon's book is moving & inspiring. 'It's a must read and we recommend it. Thank you for sharing!
349 days ago
OhKuol says:
Awesome article, it is important to shine a light on issues like this to raise awareness. Would love to read this book, might just make a stop at Chapters this weekend.
349 days ago
ohmplayground says:
Inspiring. I wish the book is available here
349 days ago
peaseblossomstudio says:
What a fascinating article! The book sounds really interesting, I'm definitely going to read it!
349 days ago
GayleLemmon says:
I am delighted to join this chat. The women in this story are indeed inspiring, and it has really been a privilege to tell their story. I hope that the Dressmaker shines a light on the unsung heroines all around us who use their skills and their wits and their courage to pull families through tough times and almost never receive credit. Hope to see you online soon!
349 days ago
ACupOfSparkle says:
Thanks for sharing this awesome article.
349 days ago
venicebeachcottage says:
Thanks for sharing :)
349 days ago
PinkBliss says:
Beautiful article. I can't wait to read the book. :)
349 days ago
StudioPotterArchive says:
Pertinent reporting on a topic that deserves our attention. Thanks for bringing this to Etsy.
349 days ago
chocolatedogstudio says:
This is so true to so many women in the world. Teach your daughters to sew or have someone else teach them. You never know when they will need it!
349 days ago
blessedvintage says:
women rock!
349 days ago
diiptadezigns says:
Very inspiring!
349 days ago
theroyal says:
wow.. don't really know what to say..
349 days ago
alicejdesign says:
very touching and great story. Thank you for sharing.
349 days ago
FruitOfMyHands says:
Good article. I love reading about courageous and creative people. Thanks Gayle.
349 days ago
happytobecreating says:
very inspirational! I shared with my facebook friends
349 days ago
StuffByKim says:
Looking forward to reading this book.
349 days ago
ModernButtercup says:
Very inspirational, it seems like it'll be a page-turner.... Just added it to my Summer reading list.
349 days ago
SerantoniDesigns says:
Phenomenal article. Phenomenal women. Book is a must-read! Congrats, Mary Serantoni SERANTONI Designs
349 days ago
flytie says:
great read. i love the "grass roots" feel of what they do and how they do it.
349 days ago
mdnloba says:
Inspiring !
349 days ago
outofline says:
So much beauty and truth in this! " I've learned that women turn to business and to crafting because it enables them to earn a living for the families who count on them. Caring for those they love — without seeking credit and with almost no one paying attention — is what women do every day, all around the world, often in the face of enormous obstacles." This is exactly what women do:) Thanks for this great post!
349 days ago
Iammie says:
Wow, amazing story.
349 days ago
jujubehijabpins says:
Beautiful story, very inspiring!
349 days ago
MyWisteriaCottage says:
This is a great story and universal. Wemon everywhere do unsung things to help themselves and others. There are many women who today count on the income they make here on ETSY to provide things for their family. They may not be the ones interviewed but they are here. When you buy from a small woman run company remember this book.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sue
349 days ago
PaintedHorse says:
Thank you for this heart warming, inspiring article. Gayle's book just went to the top of my "must read" list. Women are incredible!
349 days ago
KheGreen says:
Great story, thanks for sharing with us!
349 days ago
JFKCreations says:
Women all over the world are so strong and selfless, and articles like this challenge women of all ages and backgrounds to continue to pursue their dreams and their talents in spite of their circumstances. Thank you for sharing.
349 days ago
elemeez says:
Great story! Thank you.
349 days ago
GayleLemmon says:
I could not agree with you more regarding the women here at Etsy and the universality of this story. Women rarely consider themselves entrepreneurs but they often turn to business to support their families and the income they earn makes a difference for many. Too often we see women's stories as 'soft' when the work they do is actually very hard and set against a slew of obstacles. I hope that with the support of entrepreneurs and champions like you "The Dressmaker of Khair Khana" does its small part to change this view.
349 days ago
redemptionart says:
I love hearing these stories of victory in the midst of oppression, also appreciate the reference to the fact that money in women's hands usually supports philanthropic missions, and yes, I am reading right along.
349 days ago
Sidisha says:
Amazing story... Very inspiring. Thankyou for sharing with us....
349 days ago
copperhairartist says:
Women have 'taken care' of their families and friends in all kinds of adversity for 1000 years. In 1934 the only person that was regularly employed where my grandparents lived was a nurse. She was the walk in clinic of everyone in the building and bought food and shared with all of the households. Everyone 'made due" and was able to survive because of her. Women think about their children and each other while men are off thinking about themselves and what they can conquer. Women have brought their families out of poverty and war in just about every country around the world at one time or another. I have two greatgrandmothers that were seamstresses and supported their families when they had to. It is not amazing to women because they know what they can do and they know that they have the power to do to ensure that their children will be fed and taken care of. Men see their power in weapons and angry words. Women see their power in needles and thread and straw and fabric. Women have always known that they can change the world, it's just that so many men don't understand it or care to see it.
349 days ago
TheIndianPaperForest says:
A priceless story, finding echoes around the world, thanks for sharing Gayle, and I definitely hope to read your book soon. The power of a woman can come blazing though like a beautiful beacon, against all odds. May we all draw from the strength of Kamila and others like her - to create so much from so little - astonishing, awe-inspiring and very very humbling.
349 days ago
ChinaStonewareEtc says:
Thank you this will be a great read. You show the quiet, and strength of women, and make me again proud to be a woman, as we endure again and again. I have never endured as much as these lovely woman and keep them in warm thought. As a mother I know how love can motivate, or as a daughter or wife also.
349 days ago
AmberGypsySky says:
This is fantastic. I will soon be an entrepreneur of a tattoo business myself. Women are beautiful creatures with creative and caring souls who take care of their loved ones and shine for all of the world to see. Congrats and good luck to all of the women out there struggling, surviving and succeeding with their very own businesses :)
349 days ago
SuperSweetCreations says:
Very interesting story. a couple of years ago I saw a great segment on Oprah and it brought me to sponsor a "sister" http://www.womenforwomen.org/ I'm on my second sister and its a tremendously good feeling to help a fellow woman with hopes and dreams as me.
349 days ago
Athena111 says:
This is wonderful!
349 days ago
PaperSquare says:
Lovely read! Thank you
349 days ago
happywanderers says:
thank you, I can't wait to read the book. Very inspiring. :)
349 days ago
Paper2Roses says:
Great story, Amazing & very inspiring! I will be looking for the book!
349 days ago
BarnshopAntiques says:
Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
349 days ago
Lubnanakib says:
Wow this was so heart touching story. I love this story. I am from the middle east and understand how its hard for women during war and during normal everyday life. Being creative and using it as a means of income is still very new here. Amazing can't wait to read the book.
349 days ago
Lubnanakib says:
Wow this was so heart touching story. I love this story. I am from the middle east and understand how its hard for women during war and during normal everyday life. Being creative and using it as a means of income is still very new here. Amazing can't wait to read the book.
349 days ago
ArigigiArt says:
have to read this book
349 days ago
1dream says:
Great article..Woman is so important! Thank you..
348 days ago
JohannaVargas says:
Usually hard situations bring the best of human capabilities out. Very nice article, make us think of all we have ant that we should not take it for granted.
348 days ago
irinacarmen says:
Beautifuuuul!
348 days ago
neerjacraft says:
great article,thank you
348 days ago
misty714 says:
Wow! What an inspiration these women are to us .We have been so fortunate in America. I count my blessings everyday. As women we have the strength and resources to accomplish so much!! Thank you for pointing this out!!! misty714
348 days ago
seaglassvintage says:
So inspiring, thank you!
348 days ago
maggiemaescolours says:
Amazing, powerful and inspiring article.
348 days ago
chezvies says:
great story...
348 days ago
KathysDesignsLLC says:
Very powerful story!
348 days ago
Willow4u says:
In a world of such conflict,its wonderful to see women take the positive road!!!
348 days ago
rivahside says:
Proverbs 31
348 days ago
Loustudio says:
wonderul article, thanks for sharing.
348 days ago
SoliDeoGloriaSDG says:
Absolutely inspiring!
348 days ago
ReneeFranceDesigns says:
I must go and buy this book. There is so much power and inspiration in these few paragraphs that I have to continue reading.
348 days ago
ReneeFranceDesigns says:
I must go and buy this book. There is so much power and inspiration in these few paragraphs that I have to continue reading.
348 days ago
KathyGDesigns says:
Thankyou for sharing this amazing story. Never under estimate the power of a woman!
348 days ago
erasistible says:
Thank you for a very moving article. It is truly inspiring to see such strength and determination.
348 days ago
whimsy52 says:
I do want to read this inspiring book! What a positive and powerful story!
348 days ago
INKhandcrafted says:
Wonderful! It's a great reminder for me to thankful for everything in my life and never to take my etsy shop for granted.
348 days ago
brigidmcnellis says:
awesome arcticle!
348 days ago
found300 says:
It is impossible made possible wonderful story
348 days ago
CelticVisions says:
What a wonderful story. These women are so brave and strong. It gives me the courage and resolve to be the same way.
348 days ago
samanshabnam says:
So true! In those third world countries where they see war daily, women hand pick cotton crop(ouch), make carpets, shoes, dresses, works in all kinds of mills to earn for their children. There is no one more powerful than a woman and in the critical time of the life its woman who suffers as well as supports their family. Looking forward to read this book
348 days ago
anitaatetsy says:
Wow! The greatest expression of creativity born out of necessity and survival.
348 days ago
gailscreations1 says:
Fantastic article, we women are a tough breed. Thank you
348 days ago
UpstateHerbWorks says:
I love this article, thank you for sharing! I am moved and feel connected to so many other women...as I check my shop, write this and watch my little daughter with one eye from my kitchen. My Grandmothers and Mom taught me that there are so many ways to contribute, to care and provide for those we love while staying true to ourselves. With gratitude, Cathy
348 days ago
marysworkshop says:
Wonderful and very inspiring! Thanks for such an insightful article.
348 days ago
WhisperingOak says:
Great article about the book. I have read articles about women who work who take care of their families. They share everything they earn for the welfare of their families and give back to the community
348 days ago
BiomedDesign says:
".. the power of faith, hope, hard work and determination,... " What a inspirational story! Thanks for sharing and we all learn from others.
348 days ago
TheEverlastingPosy says:
What strong women!
348 days ago
BestinGo says:
Very inspirational. Thank you for sharing.
348 days ago
maggiem09 says:
Amazing article. Here's to the women who work hard and come out on top! :]
348 days ago
mahabbah says:
Tashakur! :-)
348 days ago
Littlezozo says:
great article :)
348 days ago
tokenandpine says:
I am inspired to find in myself the strength, determination, and hope that these women have.
348 days ago
PaulaMonica says:
WOW-truuuuuuly inspiring!!! everytime i feel down and wanting to let go of my dream, i come here to read this articles! thanks!
348 days ago
CarasScrapNStampArt says:
Thank you for the inspiration.
348 days ago
LulaMia says:
Completely inspirational.
348 days ago
JimmareeJewelry says:
Wonderful article. We need to know about these things. God bless your efforts -- may you continue to be successful in drawing attention to these important issues. Thanks.
348 days ago
GayleLemmon says:
Thank you and so glad you find these stories of the power of the human spirit as inspiring as I do. I hope you will all join us tomorrow at 3:30 pm EST on Twitter when we talk about #craftingforchange in a discussion hosted by the wonderful team at Etsy. See you there!
348 days ago
bedouin says:
wonderful article ~ Its nice to see the recognition of beautifully crafted items that have been taught and passed down for hundreds of years make their way into a wanting market. Much success on your book. open minds ~ make open hearts
348 days ago
empapers says:
What a relevant and wonderful topic to see here on Etsy!
348 days ago
studio2355 says:
Got to get this book.I was so empowered by this article. My mother and grandmother were gifted seamstresses. My mother said my grandmother made house slippers out of corn shucks and sold them.
348 days ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
well done - very admirable :)
348 days ago
PyxusPassionProject says:
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story.. I can't wait to read the book. Great to see that these women are being recognized for pulling their families out of darkness by utilizing their skills and strengths.
348 days ago
notApplicable says:
Inspired. Will definitely put this on the reading list. Thank you for sharing ~
348 days ago
goldminetrash says:
*speechless*
348 days ago
katrinaalana says:
Amazing women. Inspiring article!
348 days ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Sew inspiring! (no pun intended) I remember too when I had small children and only making 3 dollars an hour and trying to support them, I turned to the only thing I knew how to do - sewing! It helped through the tough times and now thanks to Etsy, I have time for them when they need me, which to me is the most important thing in the world. What a wonderful story, I will have to get her book, thanks for sharing!
347 days ago
littlebugjewelry says:
Wonderful piece!
347 days ago
crochetedbyjazmin says:
It's a very inspiring story and the best of all is that now the rest of the world knows it. We now know that we all can be succesful too; we do not need to be in a very bad situation as a war is, the only thing that we have to have in mind is that we have a family who is counting on us, our loved ones are our motivation to be the best that we can be; we just have to put our passion, dedication and love in every item we made.
347 days ago
Rosevoice says:
Amazing and inspiring, made me stop to count my blessings. Thank you!
347 days ago
breadandroses2 says:
copperhairartist says: Women have 'taken care' of their families and friends in all kinds of adversity for 1000 years. So true and an everyday truth, not just during times of strife. Such an entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well among the women in my family. Downsized, company went belly up, no jobs available? Create your own. Hard work but it can work.
347 days ago
janmyrickdesigns says:
Beautiful, touching and inspiring! It is so true that "the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world ". We see beauty in the smallest of things and feel the pain of of the world.
347 days ago
MishaGirl says:
Amazing to think that crafts-women, out of pure necessity, have the power to improve their circumstances and touch the world! These are truly women who I am inspired by and look up to.
347 days ago
TheMillineryShop says:
Women have picked up a needle and thread as a way out of many wars. The war against poverty and the need to protect your loved ones with a steady income is even more pervasive than many wars fought by armies.
347 days ago
Tresha1234 says:
This story illustrates that while we may live continents away from each other, or have social and economic differences...as entrepreneurial women, we have many common threads that weave our lives together. We are bound by a desire to serve, save, create and unite our families and communities. As a young girl, and one of 10 children, we learned to stretch everything from a loaf of bread (first a slice, then bread pudding, and if there was anything left, dried bread turned into Sunday's stuffing!) to mending socks that could be handed down to a little sister. One of my fondest and most touching memories was of an Easter Sunday when I was about 8 years old. It had been a tough year in my fathers business and we knew we wouldn't get a new dress for Easter. Mother sewed all our clothes and Easter was always a special treat. It was the one time our dresses were elaborate! Long sashes, rows of ruffles and beautiful fabric purchased from the department store. Easter morning arrived and I went to my closet to choose something to wear. I noticed for the first time that week, the big heavy grey "closet curtains" were missing. I ran upstairs to let my mother know and laying there on the sofa were 8 beautiful, grey Easter dresses. Colorful flowers had been carefully appliqued around the full skirt of each dress. Those old closet curtains had never looked so beautiful! Years later I learned that mother stayed up for three straight nights, cutting and sewing so we would have a new Easter dress. Today that dress means far more than something I wore to church on Easter Sunday so long ago. It represents the sacrifice and love of a good mother, who taught me to see beauty in all things, including a pair of old drab closet curtains. Thank you for sharing, I am looking forward to reading this story.
347 days ago
HeatherMBC says:
This is how I've been trying to take care of my 4 children for years now. It's hard, but I'm doing what I know how to do and love. I know it will get better.
347 days ago
snowwhitedancer says:
A little inspiration is always helpful. Amazing! Thanks for sharing.
347 days ago
LaCostureraShop says:
An inspiring and energising article! ....I now want to read the book! As a dressmaker and single parent who has been building a business and supporting my own family I know how hard we have to work and I am in awe of those women who still manage to keep it together, generate work and opportunities and provide for their families and communities in such adversary conditions. I know only too well how hard I work having just finished working a straight 14 hour day again on a commission. How much more challenging and labour intensive it must be then for those women working without all the specialist equipment and home comforts!
346 days ago
GayleLemmon says:
Your stories are so inspiring. I could not agree more that the stories in The Dressmaker of Khair Khana are so universal. Thank you for sharing your own stories -- shows once again the power of women to change their world.
346 days ago
Deehodgepodge says:
Wow! It's articles (and books) like this that make me realize just how cushy and easy I have it. Whenever I start to get on my sad sack about "I don't have enough sales" or "We are going to be short on gas money for this month's budget" I'd love to have a copy of the book to turn to and just read one story. That will defiantly keep me humble and at least minimize ( I am only human after all) the whining.
346 days ago
hollywoodcreation says:
Wow! that's wonderful
346 days ago
girliepains says:
That is wonderful. I agree!
346 days ago
girliepains says:
That is wonderful. I agree!
346 days ago
girliepains says:
That is wonderful. I agree!
346 days ago
CloudLoveBaby says:
I loved this. I loved the stories in the comments. Women have always known the power and strength women have, now the world is learning too.
345 days ago
blueeyeddragonfly says:
INSPIRING!
345 days ago
PacoandLupe says:
amazing!
345 days ago
CatFabricsandButtons says:
Thank you so much. Wow this story is powerful and truly inspirational with faith, hope, extreme hard work and determination. It touches ones heart, such Amazing Spirit, Family values and Love. The the photo speaks a 1,000 words. These admirable women dont have tools available to them and their work is so delicate and precise and absolutely gorgeous, like handmade made by Angels.
345 days ago
CatFabricsandButtons says:
Thank you so much. Wow this story is powerful and truly inspirational with faith, hope, extreme hard work and determination. It touches ones heart, such Amazing Spirit, Family values and Love. The the photo speaks a 1,000 words. These admirable women dont have tools available to them and their work is so delicate and precise and absolutely gorgeous, like handmade made by Angels.
345 days ago
GingersnapKids says:
Great story, I have always known that as women, we can anything we set our mind to.
345 days ago
wonbien says:
Nice article. Humbling too.
345 days ago
MadebyLinLin says:
Go etsy women!
345 days ago
UFCMoose says:
Amazing and Inspiring. Scott Myhervold
345 days ago
LisaMyhervold says:
Thank you so much for sharing... Lisa Myhervold
345 days ago
MakeMeUnique says:
Wonderful article will read the book. It's quite inspirational what women can do.
344 days ago
MakeMeUnique says:
Wonderful article will read the book. It's quite inspirational what women can do.
344 days ago
mainili says:
Inspiring.
344 days ago
Visual1Studio says:
What an inspiration for all to learn their stories, can't wait to read your book!
344 days ago
MayaOr says:
Wow, Thank you for sharing.
343 days ago
SweetSincerity says:
This is such an inspiring article for the many hard working craftswomen of etsy :)
343 days ago
EchoBox says:
amazing article and inspirational women. Thank you.
343 days ago
FifthRealmPress says:
An inspiring and amazing story of achievement. Thank you for sharing your story and may it bring light to those who struggle.
343 days ago