Delicate designs

At the Haven of Hope Handicraft Centre, Chetpet, 120 women display their creative talent in a range of hand-embroidered products. A sale is on to celebrate the festive season.

REGISTERED WITH the Government of India as a society in 1979, it is part of the Christian Mission Charitable Trust. Started by Colleen Redit, a missionary from New Zealand in 1963, the Haven of Hope Handicraft Centre today has 120 women doing quality work for it.

Taking off long ago in the garage of the small two-roomed house of Colleen, five distinct groups of work were established — Colleen taught five women cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, crochet and doll-making. Destitute women, young girls from poor families, even from the districts were taken in by the haven, provided free shelter and board and trained.

The stipend paid during the 18-month course is on the basis of work done and need. The material is given by the organisation. Those who wish to pursue studies are helped to do so.

Even others interested in learning embroidery are welcome.

Samplers, toilet sets, purses, bags, hand-kerchiefs, baby items, lovely smocked frocks, bed linen, table linen, greeting cards, dolls, Christmas items like stockings, cards, nighties, aprons, mittens, even salwars are all delicately embroidered by hand. These are sold in leading outlets such as VTI, Cane and Bamboo, and also exported. A sale is on at the centre 72, Spurtank Road, Chetpet. Tel: 8278791 or 8220354.

RUPA GOPAL

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