Ethical Khadi

One of my main goals in setting up Ecosophy has been to champion the value of hand woven textiles. Hand weaving is an art form that requires a lot of time and skill - hence its higher cost versus machine production - but unlike the uniform look of machine-made textiles, hand weaving results in fabrics that have a unique character and one-of-a-kind feel. At Ecosophy, all of our decorative items, such as our throws and cushion covers, are not only hand woven but also hand spun. What this means is that the whole production process - from the spinning of raw fibres into threads to the weaving and dyeing of the fabric - has been done by hand, resulting in beautiful textures and patterns. 

In India, the term used to express hand-spun, hand-woven fabric is khadi. Typically made with cotton, but potentially with any kind of natural fibre, khadi has a fascinating history that stretches from Gandhi and the independence movement through to current debates regarding ethical production. Weaving together politics, economics and the environment, khadi is more than just a fabric. 

On 24 November at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London Bridge, the Khadi UK Initiative will be hosting an event exploring paths forward for khadi production. The event will include presentations and group discussions exploring sustainable approaches to khadi production, the economic potential of khadi for rural communities, and how to integrate khadi into visions of socially and environmentally responsible lifestyles. The event is open to anyone with an interest in the subject, and tickets can be bought here: A Way Ahead: Ethical Khadi

I look forward to hopefully seeing you there,

Kate, founder of Ecosophy