Home Source offers fine dec pillows with Zaanha  

-- Home Textiles Today, 1/30/2009 2:13:00 PM

New York – Home Source International this week launched a new, high-end decorative pillow line that ultimately aids Afghan women.

The limited edition pillows are constructed of Italian linen, filled with down and feathers, and hand-embroidered in Afghanistan. Each comes with a card stating what number that piece holds in the series of a particular design. Retail on each 20-inch-by-20-inch pillow is around $400.

Home Source is working with Zaanha, a program founded by Wendy Summer to help Afghan women entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Most live in provincial villages and many are widows. Women participating in the program are largely illiterate and rarely leave their homes. Embroidery work is one of the few ways in which they can earn a living. About 30% of the proceeds from the sale of the pillows will be donated to Zaanha, whose motto is “Glamour For Good.”

“It’s a fine product, and it’s also good to give back,” said Keith Sorgeloos, president of Home Source.