Hardanga – A Timeless Stitch

Hotel Mocking Bird Hill are delighted to offer a honeymoon gift package that appeals both the bride & groom, hence their unique design of a unisex, knee–length, kimono-style hardanga dressing gown that can be slipped on in the morning or slipped off in the evening whilst on honeymoon, and then back home to help remember and re-invoke that honeymoon feeling. These pre-ordered gowns are now being offered at US$120 for two to those on honeymoon at Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, or enjoying another of their tailored eco-weddings, renewal of vows or romantic break packages also offered.

Hardanga is the delicate work of counting & drawing threads, which once decorated clothing and household items in Jamaica. It begins with a basic measurement of material marking where the needle will be used to pull the fabric and fingers will deftly work the design. The Jamaica Hardanga Trust was established in 1984 with the aim of bringing together rural women who practised the craft, to train others interested in learning; to date they have managed to provide training in this once-forgotten craft to eighteen women a year.

Although this rediscovered stitch currently does not offer a sole income, it does provide a supplementary income for local women and in turn improves the quality of life for them, and their families. Hardanga has become so internationally acclaimed that this year the world’s leading craft market, the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, invited the Hardanga Trust to take part, and their designs were snapped up.

Example of a Hardanga Dressing Gown & Dress

To find out more about how your Jamaican honeymoon can be ‘A stitch in time’ and help support the local Hardanga Trust click here