Part II : Trip to Italy

At dawn, Tarja and Matilda left Como to visit the printing house with which Andiata has been working for 30 years. During the tour, they got to see the printing process for fabric being done by different techniques, as well as the stages in the production of the scarves. It was great to see the huge range of prints they can do and how each customer can create their own unique design. The factory was really focused on sustainability. The place generates all its own electricity from solar energy. This was a great example of a craft that has been perfected over centuries.

After that, Tarja and Matilda had a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, which had been laid out just for them. The food was fantastic and served by an elderly couple from their own restaurant. The husband worked as the chef and his wife was the waitress. This small Italian village in the middle of nowhere provided a one-of-a-kind dining experience with memories that will last a lifetime.

In the afternoon, they went to see a fabric supplier, with whom Andiata has also worked for 30 years. This family-owned company has recently expanded by investing in new machinery and the latest technology. During the tour, Tarja and Matilda saw how jersey fabric can be finished in lots of different ways and how many different fibres can be used to weave it. It was really impressive to see how much skill and craftsmanship goes into making a high-quality fabric.