Crocheted Tape Measures

Hand-crocheted by Vietnamese refugees who returned to Vietnam from camps in Southeast Asia to start over, these 60" tape measures are fun and come in so handy! Keep a bunch in your home, bags and workplace for the convenience-- and the knowledge that you've helped lift someone up. They range in size from 2" - 3" wide and 3" - 5" long. Pull a leg, a tail, a claw or other appendage to use the tape measure. Retract easily with a button on the back of each. Hand wash when necessary. Air dry.

Tens of thousands of people who fled Vietnam after 1975 were unable to find countries to resettle them. As a result, thousands remained in refugee camps in Hong Kong for decades. When the camps were closed, the inhabitants were forced to repatriate to an unwelcoming Vietnam, where they were placed in new encampments. To this day, this group of dispossessed persons struggle in substandard living conditions. Local NGO's now train them in income-generating skills such as crocheting, and these tape measures are a product of their long journey.