It may be that the trivet covers are a merely functional object, and you don’t pay much attention to them. The manufacturers don’t take much care either; they just think about selling an insulator to lay the hot pot on and protect the tablecloth, and that’s it. Until Trader Joe’s arrived with his embellishing magic wand and brought what I think is the cutest trivet I’ve seen so far.
And it is a hidden treasure that you may not have seen on the shelves of your local Trader Joe’s. Because one tends to think that this supermarket chain is rather focused on selling food, drinks, and beauty products. But no, it also has fantastic home decor items, like this very nice trivet we found that can be itself a decoration item that will embellish your home.
Trader Joe’s Trivets, Handcrafted in Nepal
Each Trader Joe’s Felted Wool Trivet is a unique and original piece, which does not look like the others. This is because they are handmade in Nepal with 100% pure wool from New Zealand sheep, and the combination of colors won’t repeat in the next piece. The manufacturing process, known as felting, involves rolling balls of wool in warm water and pressing them by hand to compact the fibers. After letting them dry in the sun, the balls are sewn manually into a 6.5″ x 6.5″ square. Finally, the trivet covers are labeled, packaged and shipped to Trader Joe’s stores following guidelines respecting labor rights and the environment.
Trader Joe’s also sells a version that follows earthy and autumnal/wintery colors, if you will, but there is also a trivet in a combination of more festive tones. If you are looking for something not flashy but elegant, there is a trivet one that combines different shades of gray and light brown, perfect to match any decoration at home.
Each trivet contains 100 hand-rolled balls, making this piece not only an object of decoration but a work of art worthy of admiration. The skill with which they are made reveals that they were made by very experienced artisans, and the colors remain alive and vibrant over time.
Taking Care of Your Trader Joe’s Felted Wool Trivet
Accidents could happen, specially if you are cooking or having dinner with the family. Don’t panic, we’ll guide you in how to clean your felted wool trivet, so it won’t get ruined.
To properly clean a felted wool trivet, like these from Trader Joe’s, gently spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Don’t add any bleach or other chemical cleaner, and avoid hot water. Don’t soak the trivet in water, since the balls could lose its shape. All these actions may damage the felting and cause the fibers to shrink or mat.
Allow the trivet to air dry completely before using it again. It’s best to avoid using the trivet for extremely hot items, as this can also cause damage to the felting.