Visit to a Gujarati Master Weaver

Indigo-dyed skeins of wool drying

Lucky Graham is currently travelling in Gujarat, India, developing our new throw collection, as well as researching the incredible wealth of regional artisans and craftspeople for future Stitch by Stitch textile collections.

Shamjibhai

Earlier this week he visited renowned master weaver Shamjibhai, of Vankar Vishram Valji weavers.  Shamji and his family train and employ a community of around 90 hand loom weavers in Bhujodi, Gujarat, on pit looms which his family built after the earthquake of 2001.  The family is committed to preserving local, traditional weaving skills in this region.

Spinning wool.  The traditional pit looms can be seen in the background.

Shamji will be weaving our new Desi blankets and throws, in fine, naturally dyed wool, which will then be sent to our hand embroiderers in Ahmedabad for them to embellish with lines of traditional Chireli Sankali, or Soi work.  We should have the first samples of completed blankets later this month.

Our blankets and throws ready to be sent for embroidery.  The wool is dyed naturally.

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy some of these lovely photos Graham has emailed of his trip to Shamji's peaceful workshop in the desert!

Doing business, surrounded by Vankar Vishram Valji handiwork.