It all started in 2022 with the realisation that heritage crafts such as the handloom Khes (an extremely durable textile that is hand-spun, handwoven and often used as bed covers and winter wraps) and phulkaris (heavily embroidered ceremonious cloth), which used to be an everyday sight in Guni’s childhood, were nowhere to be found. From the mid-19th century, mill and machine-made fabric began impacting the demand for Khes. Over time, once the sought-after skilled weavers in her ancestral village lost their weaving income. She was confronted by the question of how to viably preserve the craft and empower once gainfully employed weavers. She also came across Lockwood Kipling’s work on crafts of Punjab, who had likened the Khes to the ginghams and the checks of England. Hence, the idea was born to make something that incorporated these heritage techniques - enter the signature Khes jacket. The unique patterns and the snug embrace of these jackets struck a chord with people who also noticed the high quality of craftsmanship.
What started with one weaver and one loom, has now evolved into a fully operational weaving centre where everything from spinning, dyeing and weaving takes place in-house. Loom & Things has created a cluster of weavers and continues to invest in their training and upskilling, helping the community regain what was once a thriving craft form.
Images courtesy of Loom & Things
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www.loomandthings.com