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ORGANIC
Kala Cotton
Cotton was grown in India using native arboreum and herbaceum plants from 3000 BC till the 1750s. These plants are now referred to as old world cotton, and samples produced from them have been discovered at Indus Valley civilization sites. Farmers and weavers collaborated to produce rich, organic woven textiles with a soft but durable texture in the early market systems of Kachchh, the western region of India. A lively national tradition of creating cloth from the very first foot on Indian land to the very last is represented by the production of textiles from native, old-world cotton. The Kala Cotton Initiative is an adaptation of an antiquated artisan value chain for the contemporary market. Kala Cotton Initiative is a reinterpretation of an old craft value chain made for the modern marketplace.
After years of experimentation and refinement in both spinning and weaving techniques by the NGO, Khamir, the first production of Kala cotton goods began in 2010. Today, the Kala Cotton Initiative encourages sustainable cotton textile production in harmony with local ecology. By collaborating with underserved communities and supporting locally cultivated species, the project seeks to establish a value chain at several levels. The NGO has established a supply network between the Kala Cotton farmers, ginners, spinners, and weavers to carry out this effort and turn the raw cotton into hand-woven goods.
Why Kala Cotton?
Kala cotton is indigenous to Kachchh and by default organic, as the farmers do not use any pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. It is a purely rain fed crop that has a high tolerance for both disease and pests, and requires minimal investment. It is both resilient and resurgent in the face of stressful land conditions.
Why Kala Cotton?
Kala cotton is indigenous to Kachchh and by default organic, as the farmers do not use any pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. It is a purely rain fed crop that has a high tolerance for both disease and pests, and requires minimal investment. It is both resilient and resurgent in the face of stressful land conditions.
Kala Cotton is one of the few genetically pure cotton species remaining in India, and one of the only species of pure, old-world cottons to be cultivated today on a large scale. It forms a strong, coarse, stretchable fibre that is often used in denim. As it is difficult to produce fine quality textiles with it, as its short staple length translates to fewer twists per inch of yarn, over time its use has diminished significantly in mainstream markets.
UNDERSTANDING
Mashru Weaving
Derived from the word ‘Mishru ‘which means ‘mixed’ in Sanskrit, the weavers mix silk and cotton threads to weave it. A medley of silk and cotton, the fabric is silky from outside and soothing cotton on the inside. Mashru is handwoven on 7-12 paddle looms which require harmony between the movement of hands and legs. After the fabric is woven, it’s washed with cold water and beaten with wooden hammers while it’s moist. Then a paste of wheat flour called glazing is applied on the folds of the fabric.
UNDERSTANDING
Mashru Weaving
Derived from the word ‘Mishru ‘which means ‘mixed’ in Sanskrit, the weavers mix silk and cotton threads to weave it. A medley of silk and cotton, the fabric is silky from outside and soothing cotton on the inside. Mashru is handwoven on 7-12 paddle looms which require harmony between the movement of hands and legs. After the fabric is woven, it’s washed with cold water and beaten with wooden hammers while it’s moist. Then a paste of wheat flour called glazing is applied on the folds of the fabric.
Today, traditional mashru weaving is on the brink of extinction. The clothing styles of the local people have changed, severing the original community linkages. The original Mashru fabric was made of cotton and silk, with its lush texture, is not produced anymore because the market is no longer discerning and demanding for it.
Different opportunities were created to give alternate space that supported weavers on the verge of giving up the craft.
DISCOVERING
Copper-Coated Bell Chimes
Metal bell making or Ghantadi, as locally known in Kutch, started with the need to identify cattle. They were tied around the cattle’s neck so the owner would know of their whereabouts, through the distinct bell sounds. Nowadays, this craft is gaining popularity as decorative items, and are also combined with metal frames to create wind chimes. Made by Lohar artisans, the metal bells, burnished in copper and brass, have long adorned the necks of the cattle, camels, sheep and goats that graze in this part of the region.
Today the use of these traditional bells has expanded and they are used for decorating the entrance doors, gardens, bedrooms or other form of festive decorations, The craft involved in making these bells requires highly refined skills. First the men in the family hammer the metal to give shape and then weld them to give cylindrical body. Once the bell is shaped, women dip it a solution of earth and water, covering the wet bells in the mixture of powdered brass and copper. Wrapped in clay and cotton mixture, its baked in the kiln. Each bell is buffed and polished to accentuate its unique metallic lustre. A ringer made of dense Sheesham wood is then attached inside the bell making it into a musical work of art.
Today the use of these traditional bells has expanded and they are used for decorating the entrance doors, gardens, bedrooms or other form of festive decorations, The craft involved in making these bells requires highly refined skills. First the men in the family hammer the metal to give shape and then weld them to give cylindrical body. Once the bell is shaped, women dip it a solution of earth and water, covering the wet bells in the mixture of powdered brass and copper. Wrapped in clay and cotton mixture, its baked in the kiln. Each bell is buffed and polished to accentuate its unique metallic lustre. A ringer made of dense Sheesham wood is then attached inside the bell making it into a musical work of art.
HANDMADE
Hardcover Paper Journal
Make your everyday journaling more rewarding and meaningful with our hand block printed Ajrakha fabric journal. The hardbound fabric is hand block-printed by our artisans from Ajrakhpur using natural dyes. The journal features a handcrafted tassel bookmark, contains about 100 pages making an ideal writing surface suitable for pen or pencil. Its A5 size is easy to fit in a handbag making it a perfect stylish accessory to use in your daily routine.