Thoughtloom’s ‘Behind the Weave’ Celebrates Handloom Craft at Palam Silks in Chennai
Chennai: Thoughtloom at Palam Silks, Mylapore, hosted ‘Behind the Weave’ on August 6, bringing together weavers, designers, journalists and handloom enthusiasts ahead of National Handloom Day, observed on August 7.
The event featured a conversation between Naresh Ramasubramaniam, Founder of Shuttles & Needles, and Kausalya Santhanam, journalist, features writer and former Deputy Editor of The Hindu. The discussion focused on the role of handloom in contemporary creativity, design and learning.
Ramasubramaniam said weaving extends beyond fabric-making and can help develop observation, patience, creativity and problem-solving skills, while traditional textile knowledge continues to influence contemporary education and design.
Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti Takes to the Loom
Dr. Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti attended the event as a special guest and took part in the weaving activity himself, weaving a length of fabric on the loom.
Speaking to the media, he described weaving as an art that is often introduced to children at an early age and said the craft involves considerable knowledge in addition to execution. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that younger generations understand and continue the tradition, even as powerlooms are widely used.
Kuppuswami Chetti said weaving had traditionally been a family profession for many, while the event brought together both people from weaving backgrounds and those interested in learning the craft.
He also expressed the view that more people outside traditional weaving families could consider weaving as a profession, pointing to the range of creative possibilities and the diversity of Indian handloom traditions.
Participants Experience Weaving
A hands-on weaving workshop conducted by Shuttles & Needles and its team drew participants throughout the afternoon. Attendees took turns at the loom and created their own pieces of fabric.
Each participant was able to take their finished piece home, mounted as a keepsake.
The event was organised around the theme of presenting handloom as a continuing craft practice and creating opportunities for participants to engage directly with the weaving process.
