Our Not Toys feature today showcases a collection of very cute soft animals hand-stitched from different fabrics. They're gorgeous, and we wanted to tell you more about how they are made.

Suzanne, who introduced us to Not Toys, explained that they are made near Chiang Rai in the mountains of northern Thailand. Suzanne and her colleagues have established a number of houses where groups of women can work under fair trade conditions.  Many of them are from  Burma, just over the border, and are grateful for the chance to earn money in a safe and stable environment.

Suzanne describes the women walking or cycling to work, each with their own basket of sewing equipment and their children.  She says they are meticulous about keeping their working area and materials clean, and are very proud of their handiwork.  Each woman takes responsibility for a different part of the toy, until the finished piece comes together.

If you love Not Toys, keep an eye out over the next few weeks for more hand sewn toys from these talented artists.