Maiwa
1666 Johnston St # 6 V6H 3S2 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Kachchh Ajrakh Block Print . Maiwa has worked with the extended Khatri family for decades. They are masters of traditional technique and design. They all live in the Kachchh desert area of Gujarat, near the historic city of Bhuj. These traditional Ajrakh shawls are an incredible display of block printing brilliance skillfully executed in natural dyes.

The proud stitch-heritage of the Kachchh region shows in every thread of these embroideries. Many ethnic groups are famous for their needlework: Dhebaria and Kutchi Rabari, Dhanetah Jats, Sodha Rajputs, and Mutwa. Each group has a traditional repertoire of figure and motif. These embroideries bring the richness of desert cultures into your hands heirlooms for the future. . Meena Raste (in the turquoise sari) has worked on the ground with women all over the Kachchh region for over three decades - empowering women to be independent earners and creators. In the last 25 years we have worked together and she has been the guiding force for how Maiwa works on the ground in Kachchh.

For centuries embroidery has been an expression of personality ... . Over the years, working with needle and thread has been, by far, the most enduring form of personal expression: adorning cloth, piecing it together, adding strength and embellishment. In India, embroidery patterns can be so distinct that a child can recognize someone from their village just by the stitch-work on their clothing. . Maiwa has collaborated with artisans to bring the most skillful work into the m...odern world. The items below all have one thing in common. They were designed to showcase needlework in a way that can be used on a daily basis. https://maiwa.com/collections/embroidered-cushion-covers See more

As part of our commitment to encouraging exceptional needlework we commission large format embroideries. For many ambitious stitchers, these works give the necessary breadth to express themselves. A single woman designs the play of motifs, the border elements, the colour palette and they set to work. Embroideries of this scale may take many months to complete, as the women do not embroider as a full time occupation. Rather, this embroidery is done among other family tasks, or... while visiting in groups with other embroiderers. . We have chosen to hold this exhibit in our online store, where you can easily browse through the embroideries and also see additional photos and high-resolution images. We have included 22 new large format pieces and also some works from the Banjara community which were exhibited at the Monte Clark Gallery in 2016. . All pieces are for sale. See more

We have added a lot of yarns & roving to our on-line shop for all your favourite cold-weather making knitting, weaving, felting, needle punch, crochet and more ! Check it out in Maiwa Supply

New blockprints in our Organic Cotton Bedding Range on-line now https://maiwa.com/collections/blockprint-bedding