The Spirit of Fabrics

Fabric is defined as “structure, building, framework” in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Originating from French “fabrique” it means, “the created world”. However, the world’s most common usage of fabric, is “cloth”. A double meaning thus exists in the name “Fabspirit”, its about the spirit of the artisans who create the cloth.

Cottons and silk fabrics are made in West Bengal. Pashmina and pure wools are mainly produced in Northern India. Techniques used in the production of these handloom textiles remain the same since thousand years. Cotton and Silk is locally grown and harvested. Such handmade fabrics are a slow and time consuming process which revere the spirit of the artisans that produce them.

Khadi, Indian cloth of natural fibers hand spun and hand woven, is often made by and worn by artisans in rural homes. Khadi is symbolic of India’s freedom struggle, reminiscent of Mahatma Gandhi who refers to it as “the spirit” of Swadesi, a movement promoting Indian goods which he started in 1918.

The foundation of “Fabspirit” is based on this thought and promotes the talents and skills of artisans who adopt the same spiritual principles in their daily lives, thus evoking strong ethical awareness. Fabspirit supports the production of such fabrics, which in turn supports families across India, helping them succeed in their endeavors and help provide jobs.

The spiritual colors of India are as varied and life-like as the variety of fabrics, often using natural dyes with few chemical pigments to ensure color fastness.

Indian textile production and artistry vary from raw fabrics to dyed fabrics to woven (handloom) textiles to a variety or printed types.