The Initiative is a social enterprise that consciously creates and thoughtfully designs user centric, functional, handcrafted products that provide sustainable livelihoods to craftspeople.
The traditional Maharashtrian 'godhadi' is among the simplest of Indian quilts, made from old, weathered saris. It is born of necessity and denotes hard work and survival. Yet it is an expression of the personal artistry of simple women, and sewn in each are the dreams and aspirations of individual lives.
From L-R: Women use their feet to hold the fabric straight and tense while stitching.
Scrap pieces of cloth are used as makeshift thimbles to avoid injuries.
The unit of measure isn't metres, feet, or inches - but their own hands - one arm's length, one hand span, 4 finger spacing, and such.
The unit of measure isn't metres, feet, or inches - but their own hands - one arm's length, one hand span, 4 finger spacing, and such.
Meant for personal use, godhadis are perfect in their imperfection.
Their charm lies in the soft warm encapsulation like a grandmother's embrace, a memory of a space or place or story.
The women making godhadis were unable to earn sustainable (fair and regular) wages from their work.
Through interventions in Product design, Storytelling, and Communication - The Initiative has enabled them to reach new markets, earn more regularly through the year, and changed their own perceptions surrounding the humble godhadi.
A range of products were designed, inspired by the godhadi.
Have a look at one such product - the yoga mat bag - below.
Originally designed for the European market, the bags are made by quilting regular as well as organic cotton.
In keeping with the traditional essence of godhadis, the fabric used is scraps generated from garment production.
In keeping with the traditional essence of godhadis, the fabric used is scraps generated from garment production.
