From this wonderful community we buy incredible patchwork board games, quilts and cushions. We just couldn't resist buying from this fantastic community, now set up as a Trust that aims to preserve traditional arts of the region by making them culturally and economically viable. Trust activities are artisan driven and focus on income generation, preventative health care, basic education, and group savings.
Patchwork and Appliqué traditions exist among most communities in Gujarat. Hand embroidery is the most traditional of techniques and this master craftwork depends on keen eyesight. By middle age, women can no longer see as well and they naturally turn their skills and repertoire of patterns to patchwork, a tradition that was originally devised to make use of old fabrics.
Soon after the Trust was started it added patchwork to its line of products. Older artisans, with their many years of experience now feel their earning days are not numbered and can now contribute and earn as well as the younger members of their community.
