Stitches in Time

Discover the textile heritage of north western India

Join us as we travel into the traditional heart of Gujarat where time stops and tradition begins. Your journey will take you from the heritage and design hub of Ahmedabad to the textile mecca of Kachchh, from saltpans to wetlands and from vast deserts to pristine shores. Along the way you will experience a unique textile heritage shaped by diverse ethnic settlers. You will explore the splendour of Gujarat’s architecture including stepwells, places of worship, ancient ports and Indus Valley sites, experience the calm of Gandhi’s ashram and visit musuems, markets and monuments. You will mingle with traditional communities, meet and work with master artisans and celebrate creativity and achievement at Kala Raksha Vidhylaya’s sparkling convocation – the world’s only design school for traditional artisans. You will take home memories of extraordinary encounters, genuine hospitality and of a unique textile experience.

‘As an embroiderer, I found Carole’s tour of Kutch a wonderful experience. For me, the best part was sitting down with various artisans and seeing how they work. Often they stitch back to front from the way I do, but the sharing and the laughter while trying to understand each other’s language made the journey one to remember. And of course, learning about another culture through food, festivals and traditions made the trip all the more memorable. This was the gentlest introduction to India that one could wish for.’
Leslie Lockwood, Shoalhaven, NSW