Journal

Khamir is a craft resource centre in Kutch, India that works with Kala cotton, Desi Oon (local wool), and related textile traditions, and supports the revival and sustainable development of local crafts. I stayed at Khamir's on campus Guest House for three days during my recent trip to Kutch, and being surrounded by so much craft and creative energy was incredible.

What I loved most was the mix of people I met while I was there. There were small business owners from Europe staying in India for a few months at a time to develop their collections, tourists traveling through Kutch, and students from Indian universities working on interesting research projects. Meals at Khamir became this natural meeting point where people exchanged ideas, helped each other with logistics, shared recommendations, and just talked. It felt like a little community within a community.

The dining hall is where a lot of this happens. You’ll see guests gathering a few times a day, caretakers doing embroidery nearby, people sitting under the bright sun with a cup of tea, talking through ideas or simply catching up. There’s a calmness to the place, but also a steady creative energy that’s hard to explain unless you experience it.

Guest House Caretaker's Pet named Sweety 

I’ve shared about Kala cotton quite a bit on Instagram, but being in Kutch helped me understand it more deeply. Kala cotton is an indigenous variety of cotton that is not hybrid or genetically modified, unlike Bt cotton, which is widely grown in India. It’s traditionally rain-fed and well suited to dry, drought-prone regions, which means it typically requires far less water and no pesticides. Beyond its environmental benefits, the fabric itself has a beautiful, slightly nubby texture and a softness that improves with wear. It’s one of my favorite textiles, and spending time where it’s grown and woven made me appreciate it even more.

Amber Charkha (multi-spindle, hand-operated spinning wheel)

During my stay, I learned a lot about how Kala cotton yarn is spun and woven. Yarn can be mill spun, Amber Charkha (multi-spindle, hand-operated spinning wheel) spun, or Peti Charkha (portable box shaped spinning wheel easy to transport) spun, which is closest to traditional hand spinning. From there, the yarn is handwoven. Even though all of these fabrics are handwoven, they feel different. Peti Charkha yarn tends to be more rustic and textured, while Amber Charkha yarn is slightly finer and more even.

Peti Charkha (portable box shaped spinning wheel easy to transport)

I also got to see a wide range of handwoven cotton fabrics in Khamir’s warehouse and at the store on the premises. There’s so much happening on site beyond weaving too, including block printing, natural dyeing, and pottery, which makes the place feel very alive and active.

Spending time talking to the Khamir staff, learning more about Kala cotton, and connecting with other creatives during meals were easily my favorite parts of the experience. And I can’t not mention the craft store. It’s a treasure trove of beautiful textiles, pottery, jewelry, and clothing. Exploring the space, trying things on, and bringing a few pieces home was pure joy.

Desi Oon (Local Wool) Vest

I really hope to return to Khamir again, ideally during harvest season, to spend more time learning about Kala cotton and Desi Oon production and to source more beautiful fabrics. It’s one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.