Artisans

Fai Gaem Mai

Fai Gaem Mai (literally translated: cotton, mix, silk) is part of the Institute for Scientific and Technological Research at the University of Chiang Mai in Thailand.

The institute does not make scarves itself, but helps producers by transferring its knowledge, supplying new materials and giving a helping hand in sales. Since 1999 Fai Gaem Mai works with 182 weaving cooperatives in all seventeen provinces in northern Thailand.

Fai Gaem Mai supplies cottonseed, silkworms, weaving looms and spinning wheels to weaving cooperatives that are starting with the production of scarves. Experienced groups get support in the area of product innovation, like the development of fibres as eri silk, hemp and undyed cotton.

The institute researches production processes and shares its acquired knowledge. Resulting into lower production costs, lower energy usage, less pollution and fewer related health problems, higher productivity, improved natural dye quality and a better overall quality of the scarves.

Innovative products are first sold via Fai Gaem Mai. This way, the market can be tested with lower costs.

Counting Flowers works closely with Ajahn Nittaya, a passionate woman who has been involved with Fai Gaem Mai since the beginning. She shares most innovative scarves with us. In return for feedback on our sales and customer experiences, she shares the most innovative scarves with us.

For example, Counting Flowers expanded its collection with the first Thai produced scarves made from 100% eri silk. These scarves are being produced in only two villages, baan Tup Klai and baan Pha Na Sawan. Textile specialist Nitat Changhorn teaches the weavers how to work with eri silk and is responsible for the design of the scarves.

At this moment Fai Gaem Mai is developing undyed cotton scarves in the colors green, brown and white. By using different naturally coloured cotton varieties, there is no need to add extra dye. We have seen and touched these beautiful new samples and are currently awaiting the first batch from Fai Gaem Mai available for sale.

Take a look at the scarves from Fai Gaem Mai.

Making scarves at Fai Gaem Mai