Earlier this year, we had the privilege of visiting Kullvi Whims high up in the Himalayan Mountains; where we witnessed the stunning wool craftsmanship of the women who have dedicated their lives to preserving this nomadic tradition.

The community’s interconnectedness, from herders to artisan, was nothing short of awe-inspiring. As we participated in their daily life— making woolen yarn on a traditional takli and sharing a joyous snowball fight with Brighu & Nisha— we felt the profound bond that unites the Kullu people with their craft.

You can read more about Kullvi Whims and our relationship here 

As our collaborative relationship with the artisans grew, new ideas sparked. 

"What if we bought the artisans into the heart of Fremantle to share their skills & story with our Australian Craft Community?"

It was a daring move, but founders Nisha & Brighu were enthusiastic and on board, and so we began planning Crafting with Kullvi Whims!

With the artisans Sapna and Lata flying in all the way from the Himalaya's, we provided the Fremantle community with a rare and intimate workshop series over two weeks: participants had the joy of learning Drop Spindle Spinning, Nuno Felting, Natural Dyeing, Border Loom Weaving and Knitting. 

To organise such an event, let alone a self funded one, is a big enterprise full of challenges and expenses. Bringing artisans from rural India into Australia is an intense administrative process! 

The workshop series was a huge success, with sold out workshops and a humming community of enthusiastic crafters gathering around the Fremantle Fibonacci Centre, with many coming back for more.

It was an honour to provide a platform for Kullvi Whims to share their deep passion and respect for wool. To see their pride in teaching a craft that has been alive in their families for many generations warmed my heart. Sharing meant to them ensuring the survival of their cultural identity. 

This has been so apparent when the event reached the Indian news and the common thread was the pride in bringing Himachal Pradesh cultural heritage to a global audience. Read the full article here

This is really what I envisioned The ANJELMS Project to be

 

More than a clothing Brand, but a facilitator across cultures

  

that brings people from all backgrounds together to celebrate cloth as a manifestation of our connection to nature, that which we are all custodians.

Our mission is to have the voices of artisans heard, their craftmanship skills shared, and ultimately - to bridge the gap between makers and wearers. 

 

From the bottom of my heart,  Thank you

- Gaelle Beech