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This Karawan range showcases the skills of craftsmen using natural, wild materials to create unique objects that add an authentic touch to your home. Discover our unique selection of cushions woven in the Himalayas from nettle fibre and wild silk. A blend of British tweed and Indian spinning and weaving expertise, this collection showcases the work of the women's communities of Uttarakhand.
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WILD NETTLE
For its range of cushions, Karawan combines wild silk with nettle. Nettle is an astonishing plant that grows in abundance at altitudes of between 1,200 and 3,000 meters. In the natural fibers sector, it is a renewable ecological resource with considerable potential. The transformation of nettle into woven fiber represents one of the few sources of income in the Himalayan mountains. Collecting, spinning and weaving take place in inaccessible regions, subject to seasonal harvesting and transport difficulties.
An innovative ethical approach in the heart of the Himalayas
Traditionally used for braiding ropes because of its robustness, Christine Delpal, the designer of Karawan, has taken up the challenge of using nettle fibre in an eco-design approach for exclusive creations. This micro-development project was carried out in Uttarakhand (India) with a local NGO. In four months, five craftsmen transformed nettle from the Himalayas into an elegant and sophisticated material, while respecting its wild and renewable origins.
By promoting women's work and their expertise in transforming natural fibres, Karawan offers you cushions for meaningful home decoration, with a timeless style and an ecological and socially responsible approach.
Spinning and weaving wild nettle
Processing wild nettle is a time-consuming process based on purely manual techniques. After harvesting, the stalks are boiled to allow the non-fibrous parts to decompose and release the fibres. The nettle is then spun by hand and woven on handlooms. The irregularity of the hand-spinning gives each piece a unique character, rich in nuances of colour and texture. The herringbone weaves made from nettle fibre are strongly reminiscent of the style of English tweed, renowned for its robustness.
