Lavet af Alaa

Sunflower bag

1.200,00 kr Sold out
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

The finest bag crocheted from plastic bags collected from refugee camps in the Bekaa Valley by a self-organized women's collective. It takes each woman 10 days to complete a bag from collecting bags, washing, sorting and subsequent crocheting.

Pickup currently unavailable at Nørrebro

Size

Measures approx. 43 * 32 cm. and is 8 cm deep, while the handle is approx. 50 cm.

Handmade by...

Alaa who is a Syrian refugee living in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Alaa learned to crochet from her grandmother and lacked yarn to crochet with - she found the solution herself: the camp's many used plastic bags. Alaa collects the bags, washes them and turns them into yarn that you can crochet with. Alaa has gathered several of the camp's women who are now self-organised and working together on many different creations. Alaa herself wants to save up to be able to go to the university in Beirut from the money she earns.

Material & care

Made exclusively from plastic bags - can therefore be wiped off with a wet cloth. Should not be machine washed.

Delivery & return

Shipping:
Items in stock are generally shipped within 1-3 working days.

Pickup:
You are always welcome to pick up at one of the following two locations in Copenhagen:
Holtegade 6, Nørrebro or Gåsebæksvej 12 in Valby.

Write in a comment at check-out where you prefer to collect, and you will automatically receive an email when your order is ready for you.

Collection in Valby is typically every weekday between 9-17, while collection in Nørrebro varies and is by appointment, but here evenings and weekends are also possible.

Return:
You naturally have 14 days of full right of return (excluding delivery) from when you have received your goods. If you wish to return, you must send an email to kontakt@theable.dk .

When you buy products from The -able, you support people fleeing to...

Better mental health

Creating something with your hands can have a profound positive impact on mental health, especially for those who have experienced trauma. Studies show that engaging in hands-on activities can reduce stress and anxiety by up to 45%.

Many of the artisans we collaborate with have faced significant challenges in adjusting to new countries, often feeling displaced and disconnected.

Through practicing familiar crafts and connecting with new, like-minded communities, they begin to regain a sense of ownership, belonging, and community. Each product you purchase carries the story of a person’s journey, as well as their opportunity to rebuild and create anew.

Jouhania, who embroiders products in the Shatila refugee camp for The -able, shares: 'For me, embroidering is like stitching my life back together, thread by thread. It’s a traditional Palestinian craft that I am proud to bring back to life.

Greater financial freedom

According to the UN, around 70% of refugees live below the poverty line, and many do not have permission to work. Through our cooperation with local NGOs, people on the run get the opportunity to work and earn their own money through jobs they are good at. When people on the run are given the opportunity to be included in the labor market and earn their own money through dignified work, the sense of belonging to the new countries is strengthened and they are given the opportunity to take their first steps towards financial independence again.

Amina, who makes bags for The -able in Lebanon, says: “ Being financially independent from relief organizations has helped me regain my self-confidence and respect - I no longer feel like I'm outside, and I pass this strength and joy on to my children.”

Preserve endangered cultural heritage

An often overlooked consequence of people being forced to leave their homes and land is that local crafts are threatened. The traditions risk disappearing, as those who master the craft must leave materials, tools and practices behind.

At The -able, we work to preserve these traditions by always starting from the knowledge, skills and designs of the artisans and then integrating them into modern design and sustainable practices that can be continued in new countries.

Through our work, we ensure that these skills and traditions live on, while celebrating fine craftsmanship and respecting both people and the planet.

Thank you for shopping at The -able. Every purchase makes a difference to a person forced to flee or living in a conflict-affected area.

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