Image: Mata-ni-Pachedi, Kirit Chitara.
The workshops taking place during the Selvedge World Fair are a rare opportunity to learn skills from master artisans from around the world. Some of the courses are now sold out, but there are a few places remaining on courses including kantha embroidery (5 September) and kalamkari painting (5 September). Both courses only require basic sewing and drawing supplies to take part. Some courses do require special materials and the deadline for buying these materials from the course leaders is now past, due to international shipping times. However, you can purchase substitute materials from your local yarn shop, haberdashery or art supplier, or use what you have at home. A full list of what’s required is in every workshop listing.
Image: detail of a cushion, Hushnohana.
This virtual workshop is led by Mahua Lahiri of Hushnohana. In it you will learn about the basic materials used for Kantha, understanding the layers that are quilted, framing, motif selection and motif development and basic stitch and basic borders. Lahiri learned her textile skills from her mother, Preeti Kona Goswami, who made a significant contribution to reviving the technique of Nakhshi Kantha, winning the Indian National Award in hand embroidery. Lahiri started Hushnohana to continue this work. She also teaches a range of classes at NIFT Kolkata in Indian cultural embroidery.
Kalamkari (Mata-ni-Pachedi) Painting
This workshop is led by Kirit Chitara from India. In it you will receive an introduction to the Mata-ni-Pachedi craft. Mata-ni-Pachedi is the traditional Indian art of painting the image of goddesses. The term Mata-ni-Pachedi originated from the Gujarati language, where Mata means ‘goddess’, ni means ‘belongs to’ and Pachedi means ‘behind’. You will learn about the historical relevance of the style, and the figures, compositions and layout designs used. Mata-ni-Pachedi is a style of fabric surface design, but during the class you will work on paper, as it is not possible to work with natural dye on fabric during the timeframe. You will learn skills that you can use on fabric after the session.
To book your place, visit Selvedge World Fair Workshops.