Selvedge Textile Tour 2025: Week 4
Textiles tell stories, but this week, the journey itself has also been stitching together a vivid narrative. From the pulse of Mumbai’s workshops to the stillness of Kerala’s backwaters, every place has left its mark. Hands stained with natural dyes at the Srishti Trust with Aranya Munnar, eyes tracing the intricate stitches of Padmaja Krishnan’s Kantha, the soft weight of Anitha Reddy’s quilts. And then feet brushing the cool stone of Fort Kochi’s streets, a helicopter lifting gracefully above tea plantations, and a boat floating gently through sparkling, winding waterways.
Join us on this weeks Selvedge Textile Tour of India:
Pracheen with Ahmed and Sarfraz Khatri
Block Printing at Pracheen. Photograph: Rashi Arora
In the heart of Mumbai’s textile district, Pracheen stands as a revered sanctuary for natural-dyed Ajrakh block printing, a centuries-old craft preserved by the Khatri family.
Hundreds of wood-blocks on display at Pracheen, each with their own individually hand carved design.
The air is rich with the earthy scents of indigo and madder as fourth-generation printer Ahmed Khatri expertly presses intricate patterns onto luxurious fabrics. His son, Sarfraz, recalls his childhood spent surrounded by dyes and fabrics, learning the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. Together, they offer a rare glimpse into a world where slow, thoughtful making is still revered, ensuring this ancient craft thrives today.
Exploring Kantha with Padmaja Krishnan
Kantha Stitched Narratives by Padmaja
In a tranquil Mumbai studio, Padmaja Krishnan’s Kantha creations weave India’s cultural narratives into each delicate stitch. Each piece tells a unique story shaped by generations of artisans, with intricate patterns that evoke landscapes, rituals, vibrant daily life, and fleeting moments of beauty.
Miniature quilts make use of discarded fabrics, displaying frayed edges and subtle imperfections. The work speaks to the endurance of craftsmanship, preserving the voices of the past while embracing the future of this revered art form.
Backwaters Cruise in Kochi
The Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi in Kerala. Photo by Mohammed Nasim.
As the group glides through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, the pulse of the land unfolds slowly, revealing a rhythm of life suspended in time. Fishermen cast their nets from slender canoes, while Chinese fishing nets rise and fall with the tide.
Villages dot the banks, and the passengers find themselves immersed in the delicate balance between water, land, and the people who have lived in harmony with this landscape for centuries. It's a quiet journey through an ancient, living tradition that captures Kerala’s essence.
Strolling through Fort Kochi
Wandering through Fort Kochi’s winding streets is like stepping through layers of history, where traces of Dutch, British, and Indian influence create a unique fusion of architectural styles. Every turn reveals another piece of the past, softened by vibrant bougainvillea and swaying rows of fresh laundry drying under the warm Indian sun.
Time seems to slow in the quiet courtyards, where every weathered door and intricate detail tells its own story. Here, inspiration unfolds in the smallest moments, the meeting of cultures, and the timeless beauty of this charming town.
A Helicopter Ride Over the Tea Plantations
Soaring above the emerald hills of Kerala, offering a breathtaking view of endless tea plantations below, the landscape unfolds like a green quilt, stitched together by winding paths and terraced fields. The scale of the plantations becomes clear in an intricate web of labour, cultivation, and time, where each leaf tells a story of patience, care, and a deep connection to the earth.
Natural Dyeing and Shibori Workshop with the Srishti Trust and Aranya Natural
In the heart of Munnar, the group experience Aranya’s Natural Dyeing and Shibori workshop with the Srishti Trust, a studio dedicated to empowering artisans, particularly those with special needs, by providing them with meaningful opportunities to learn, create, and thrive.
From the Srishti Trust 'Divine Feminine' Collection, Organzas, Chiffons, Silks
Through a commitment to sustainability and innovation, the Trust nurtures the skills of its artisans, offering a space where they can explore the rich potential of natural dyes and traditional craft techniques. Here, artisans use nature’s vibrant colours to craft textiles that tell powerful stories of resilience and sustainability.
Artisans from Aranya Natural, Srishti Trust.
Twenty six years ago, inspired by a transformative trip to Dhaka, Mrs. Ratna Krishnakumar converted a humble cattle shed into a thriving space for learning and livelihood. Today, the workshop serves as a sanctuary for artisanal skill, creating textiles that are works of art and a reflection of hope and empowerment.
Quilts with Anitha N. Reddy
Anitha N. Reddy’s quilts weave intimate stories that honour the cultural heritage of the marginalised Siddi community. Once viewed as practical household items, these quilts are now celebrated works of art.
Anitha’s dedication has elevated the artistry of Siddi women, giving them the recognition they’ve long deserved. Each quilt, made from repurposed fabrics, is a tapestry of family memories and cultural history. Through Anitha’s efforts, these quilts have transformed into symbols of pride and artistry, empowering the women who create them.
Meeting Padmini at Tharangini Studios
At Tharangini Studio, Padmini shares the story of her family’s wood-block printing studio, founded in 1977. Evolving into a beacon of sustainability, Tharangini champions environmental stewardship through local sourcing, organic dyes, and minimal waste practices.
Padmini’s return to Bangalore from corporate life reignited her passion for block printing. Today, artisans continue the tradition while pushing design boundaries for global fashion brands. Tharangini’s involvement in the installation Salt Cosmologies, recently showcased at Somerset House, is testament to the skill and collaborative approach the studio takes in its work, inspiring visitors with its deep commitment to people, planet, and craft.
As the week concludes, the travellers carry with them the stories and spirit of the artisans they’ve encountered. From the vibrant block prints of Pracheen to the delicate Kantha stitches, each stop has celebrated India’s rich textile legacy, leaving lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of India’s timeless traditions. See you next week for more.
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Image Credits:
Lead image: Padmaja Krishnan
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