All The Colours Of India...in a rug!

On my travels to India I'm always seeking out inspiring pieces to bring back to the shop, and this last trip was no exception.

I was fortunate to find a talented young man called Nitesh and his amazing carpets. I fell in love with them straight away, the rugs that is, and I can't help but smile every time I look at the one's I have at home because to me they have all the colours and vibrancy of India...in a rug!

I was so lucky to be invited to visit the village where Nitesh and his family create these beautiful pieces, which take one month each to make. The village was beautiful and so peaceful after the busy city I usually stay in. I was greeted with a flower garland, and a tour of the work shops.

The process starts with the wool being dyed in large metal bowls over an open fire, stirred by a hot worker, the yarn is then hung out in the sun to dry.

Then the lovely ladies, who smile shyly at me, spin the wool ready for the looms. These are traditional wood and the beautiful ladies sit together with their young children playing near by, chattering away while the weave their magic.

Finally the rugs are washed, this must be the best job to have, as the cool water can only be refreshing in the hot sun.

It's a real family affair, and I was honoured to meet Nitesh's grandfather, who still wakes at 6am every morning to his Yoga practice, and the lovely tour was completed with a rose from the garden and some freshly made treats from Nitesh's Aunt. It was the highlight of my trip, and now the rugs are all here a month later, I'm still smiling.