The current issue of Selvedge Magazine has a bit of Canadian focus: Trade Routes to Trading Post: Beyond the Blanket - Textiles in Canada, by Joe Lewis, contains a potted history of some Canadian textile facts. We are happy to say that we received mention as one of the highlights.



The same issue contains a wonderful article by Ptolemy Mann on Jacquard weaving and what it means to revert to manual when your "dobby" (a computerized loom) fails. Carol Outram contributes a story on traditional clothing of the Arctic with remarkable photography by Karim Rholem. We've just added issue # 44 to our online store so you can pick it up here.

These have just arrived in the Maiwa store on Granville Island. Handwoven triple-layer shawls from Bengal. The top two layers feature a "thumb-weave" made by the weaver pressing his thumb into the warp as he weaves the cloth. The bottom, full-width layer, is a beautifully soft merino wool. Above this sits a three-quarter width layer of cotton mixed with zari (to give just a little shimmer) and above this is a half-width layer of cotton.

We like to hold these shawls up as a beautiful example of techniques that can only be done by hand. These shawls give endless possibilities - any of the three layers can be shown, or they can be twisted to bunch up all three layers and keep you cozy warm. $189 only at the Granville Island Store. Available in a variety of colour combinations.

Come down and see on Granville Island - the artisan heart of Vancouver. Open 10 - 7 every day of the week. 

Sophena Kwon and Ja Pace caught at the Jaipur Literary Festival

Taking a little break from putting together next year's clothing line, some of Team Maiwa were caught by a photographer at the opening of the Jaipur Literary Festival. The very talented Sophena Kwon left and Ja Pace, right. Sophena is in India working on the clothing line, designing and photography. She is there with both her mother Charllotte Kwon and brother Alex Kwon. Ja, who regular readers will recognize as one of the dancers at our fashion show, and a model for some of our summer clothing. is traveling around  India with friends and family. Ja opened the festival together with 15 drummers on Friday morning. By coincidence Ja had met up with one of her drumming teachers who's band just happened to be the opening act - and so she was invited up on stage. Both women are wearing Maiwa clothing.

Ajrakh Cloth

Dabu Cloth

Kalamkari Cloth

Boiled Kashmir Blankets