Working on the complex Travel Bag pattern with Shamali
The end of 2021 saw us do a complete 180 here in Sri Lanka. With travel restrictions lifting and sun-thirsty tourists arriving in their droves, the island was shaken into action. Hotels and restaurants opened their doors, beaches cleaned up by proud locals and in-person Christmas markets had us spinning. Sri Lanka’s south coast has returned to its former tropical glory and we are excited to be feeling the buzz. Our team of seamstresses at Original Source and Supply have been oiling up their sewing machines and getting ready to stitch their way through this difficult time. All of this with a strategic and random sewing schedule, trying our best to avoid the endless power cuts.
Rejecting fast fashion norms
With consumer culture so deeply embedded in daily life, we all too often feel detached from our material possessions. We forget that a real person actually stitched that shirt together and those meticulously lined up buttons were not just done by a machine.
Discussing seam allowances with Hemanthi
At OSAS, our objective is to get back to the source. For us, this means knowing exactly who stitched our products and forging long-lasting relationships with them.
This process takes time, perseverance and a basic knowledge of conversational Sinhala! All our products come with a recycled hand tag telling you exactly who stitched it. Learning how to live more sustainably is a practice and knowing who made your favourite wardrobe staples is a strong place to start.
Our recycled hang tags keep you fully informed
The seamstress stakeout
Sri Lanka has a rich history of traditional handicrafts, of which sewing is one of the most prevalent. Basic skills are often taught in schools and then passed down through the generations. We are fortunate to have found some of the most talented seamstresses Sri Lanka has to offer.
There is no directory or Google search option, seeking out highly skilled seamstresses comes with its own detective work. Word of mouth, driving round the backroads of the village playing ‘Spot the sewing machine’ are all part of the challenge!
Hemanthi is always really organised, her neighbours help her cutting the fabric for the Hangbags
It was through stealth alone that we found our team of seamstresses we work with today. We first started working with Shamali in 2016 and as Original Source and Supply expanded, Hemanthi and Renuka joined the team.
Behind the sewing machine
Each of our seamstresses bring something different to the sewing table; both in skill set and personality. Renuka cheekily asks us if we have brought any ‘treats’ before whizzing her way through a pile of our zero waste Headbands. Precision sewing is Hemanthi’s strength – after years in the fashion industry her stitching skills are unparalleled. Her expertise has been integral in the development of our signature Hangbag. Shamali’s love of sewing comes from the heart as she continues the legacy of the family business. OSAS Travel Bags have been under her charge since day one.
Shamali in her home workshop
Working in collaboration
A sample is stitched which is then, literally, torn apart before being stitched back together again. The design is modified, seams are made invisible and straps reinforced for longevity. This process can take a few goes but from an ethical fashion standpoint, it’s fundamental. Reducing waste and making sure our products stand the test of time are our non-negotiables.
Keen to find out more? Get to know our seamstresses better and have a read about our commitment to sustainability and transparency.
Copy writing by Ellen Smart
