We are trying to build a better communication system with the weavers and soon would put our plans online. In the meantime if you need help then let me know as I stay in US and can guide accordingly.

717 649 5738

Dear Anoop and friends:

I wish there were a way to open the eyes of persons in the US and in the UK and have them discover Kullu textiles.

Much of which is currently in fashion in the US is influenced by tawdry interpretations of persian influenced textile designs–eg very common place paisley designs and in violent colors.

I live in a city where a lot of women wear Pashiminas because our weather patterns change from hot to cold multiple times a day.

Ive never seen anyone besides myself go about with a Kullu shawl (sometimes I vary it by wearing an Afghan style Patoo shawl, which is similar).

A select few persons have come up and implored me to tell them where I found my items. All of them were persons who knew and cared about hand woven textiles.

The black and white twill weaving done in Kullu would definitely attract discerning eyes.

These black and white twill fabrics are splendidly versatile and go beautifully with Western wardrobes and color palettes.

Alex Koltun

There is a particular kind of shawl I would like to purchase, and it would be just one and for private use. If you know of any honorable persons in Manali who sell for and protect the interests of the Kullu weavers, I would be deeply grateful for a recommendations.

Years back, I sent a couple of e-mail queries and one letter to Bhuttico via ’snail mail’ and received no reply.

Thank you so much for educating us on this.

I am even thinking of trying to learn loom weaving so that I can appreciate better the skill of the persons who have created these wonderful textiles.

A good and well done twill weave is marvellous. The thought of the all the tapestry work that is done on the Kinnauri fabrics staggers the imagination.

It is not for nothing that karma has been likened to a net of threads, and that ’sutra’ can mean, both Scripture and the threads woven in to fabric.

AK

Thank you so much for supporting the cause of the Kullu weaver .
Since you are not travelling to Kullu, I would suggest you to go to one of the Bhuttico stores spread across Himchal Pradesh. You can find authentic , hand made Kullu shawls there. Please look out for the wool mark, the hand loom mark. For people who do not know how to differentiate a hand made shawl from a machine made shawl this is a trust worthy place to go. Take care not to listen to the cab and auto drivers who will try to convince you to go to certain smaller stores selling fake shawls.

You can buy a sheep wool shawl (500-1000 Rs) or an Angora wool shawl (1000-3000 Rs.) or a Pashmina shawl (3000Rs. +).

Hope this helps.
You can have a look at http://www.bhuttico.com/showroom.html for more information.

We would be really happy if you would spread the word to improve awareness on the state of the Kullu weaver.

Thanks and Best Regards,
anoop

ps: My intention is not to promote Bhuttico or any other society.

found this site while researching my next trip to India, which will also bring me to Kullu-Valley.
I won’t come through Kullu, though, as I will do Shimla – Kinnaur – Spiti – Manali – Ladakh.

I want to buy a handmade shawl, I want to support the weavers. Can you recommend shops in Manali or Shimla?

Please per eMail, as I might not return to this specific page.

Thanks in advance. Nice site.

regards, lars.