Selvedge Textile Tour 2025: Week 2
As the second week of the Selvedge Textile Tour unfolds, the group continues its learning journey into India's rich textile traditions, weaving together encounters with artisans, historic architecture, and immersive cultural experiences. From the rhythmic click of handlooms in Maheshwar to the intricate brushstrokes of kalamkari, every insightful visit provided a unique understanding into the country’s extraordinary craft legacy.
WomenWeave: Weaving Empowerment in Maheshwar
The week began in Maheshwar, where the group visited WomenWeave, an initiative dedicated to ensuring that handloom weaving remains both a profitable and sustainable livelihood for women artisans.
Established in 2003, this visionary organisation supports weavers by providing skills training, fair wages, and opportunities for financial independence. Under the dappled light of the weaving studios, the group watched as artisans deftly manoeuvred the looms, creating fabric imbued with generations of knowledge and craftsmanship.
Maheshwar Fort: A Fortress of Serenity
Nestled on the banks of the Narmada River, Maheshwar Fort provided a moment of quiet reflection. The grand stone walls, intricately carved balconies, and panoramic views set a dramatic backdrop to a history steeped in textile production. Once ruled by the formidable Ahilyabai Holkar, the fort is a testament to her patronage of the arts and the enduring legacy of Maheshwari weaving.
Darpana: A Dance of Tradition
At the Darpana Academy in Ahmedabad, the group witnessed a mesmerising dance demonstration. The name "Darpana" means "mirror" in Hindi, but it also alludes to the Abhinaya Darpana (The Mirror of Gestures), an ancient text by Nandikeshvara on Indian stagecraft and dance.
Soham Dave: Ethical Craftsmanship in Ahmedabad
Continuing in Ahmedabad, the tour visited the textile studio of Soham Dave, where artisans craft contemporary designs using traditional techniques.
Every piece is made by hand, from the delicate block prints to the naturally dyed fabrics, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to sustainable, ethical fashion. The studio buzzed with creativity, as the group observed artisans meticulously crafting textiles that merge heritage with modernity.
Morii Design Studios: Honoring Craftsmanship
Next, at Morii Design Studios, the group explored a space where reverence for Indian craftsmanship is the guiding principle. Here, textiles are more than just fabric—they are cultural narratives woven with intention and respect.
Natural fibres, vegetable dyes, and intricate hand-embroidery are the hallmarks of Morii’s work, emphasising the studio’s dedication to preserving India’s textile heritage.
Sidhpur: Echoes of a Bygone Era
The abandoned mansions of Sidhpur told a story of migration, opulence, and time’s slow passage. Once home to prosperous merchant families, these pastel-hued mansions now stand as silent witnesses to the grandeur of a past era.
Their carved wooden doors and faded frescoes offered a striking contrast to the living textile traditions the group had encountered thus far.
Patan Patola Museum: The Magic of Double Ikat
A highlight of the week was observing double ikat weaving with Mr. Rahul Vinayak Salvi at the Patan Patola Museum. This rare and complex technique, where both the warp and weft threads are resist-dyed before weaving, results in dazzling geometric patterns of remarkable precision. Watching the artisans at work, the group gained a profound appreciation for the skill and patience required to produce each masterpiece.
Kalamkari Printing: Painting with Natural Dyes
The journey continued with an exploration of Kalamkari printing, an ancient art form where natural dyes are meticulously applied through a 23 step process involving steeping, sun-drying, painting with mordants and natural dyes, painting with wax, and immersing in a dye bath. The slow, deliberate process of outlining mythological stories and floral motifs onto fabric spoke of a tradition deeply rooted in storytelling and spirituality.
RaasLeela: A Hands-on Studio Experience
At RaasLeela, the group had the chance to engage in hands-on studio textile workshops, experimenting with traditional techniques under the guidance of skilled artisans. From block printing to hand embroidery, the interactive sessions brought a deeper understanding of the processes behind India's exquisite textiles.
RaasLeela embraces sustainability as a way of life, prioritising repair, conservation, and mindful consumption while adhering to eco-friendly practices. Every design, material, and process is carefully chosen to serve a purpose beyond aesthetics, and each of their garments is completely hand-sewn by skilled home-based women, who use age-old techniques from Gujarat.
Art Book Centre: A Treasure Trove of Textile Knowledge
A stop by the Art Book Centre uncovered both popular and rare books dedicated to India’s arts and crafts. A real treasure trove, the group paged through centuries-old manuscripts and richly illustrated volumes, exploring the academic side of textile history and gaining insights that complemented their firsthand experiences.
Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum: A Tapestry of Textiles
The final stop of the week was the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum, for a peek at their exquisite collection of historical textiles. The TAPI collection revealed extraordinary examples of finely printed fabrics including chintz examples that showcased the vibrant, hand-painted cottons that once captivated European markets.
The second week of the Selvedge Textile Tour comes gently to a close, with the group being swept deeper into the vibrant tapestry of India’s textile heritage. The rhythmic hum of handlooms set the pace as they marvelled at intricate embroideries and were awestruck by majestic architecture. Every moment was infused with history, deepening their connection to the artisans who, with quiet dedication, breathe life into these ancient crafts, preserving their beauty for generations to come.
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Image Credits:
Lead: Yusuf Chiniwala
Image 5: Soham Dave
Image 13 & 14: RaasLeela
Image 15: Art Book Centre
All Other Images: Polly Leonard