Love Stitch & Weave: Naga woman entrepreneur prop up craft making

(Left) Keholeno K Visa, creator of ‘Love Stitch & Weave.’ (Right) A few of her works.

(Left) Keholeno K Visa, creator of ‘Love Stitch & Weave.’ (Right) A few of her works.

Morung Express News
Kohima | August 20

‘Love Stitch & Weave’ is a home based business in Dimapur which specialises in decorative embroidery hoops and craft products, each created by Keholeno K Visa. Known for its fine craftsmanship and chic elements, ‘Love Stitch & Weave’ started in 2017.

For Visa, it all began when she had to give her talent in church. “I thought instead of just giving money to the church why not make something with my own talent, from the money which is given to us by the church, and contribute it when the time comes,” recalls Visa who started making small embroidery hoops which garnered much appreciation and orders from friends and family.

Love Stitch
Love Stitch which especially means ‘Love in every stitch’ was a long treasured hobby which sprouted at a very young age for the home based crafter. “My mother always embroidered bullion roses in our dresses and sweaters when we were young. She would embroider in pillow cases and table clothes too,” says Keholeno. 

It was from her mother that she first learned embroidery. Watching her mother, she was often fascinated by how one's hands that can work with something as simple as a needle and a thread, can transform its way into something beautiful. The crafter further taught herself watching YouTube and Pinterest tutorials.

Reduce, Recycle and Reuse 
A huge DIY fan, Visa tries to follow the three Rs in her most of her creations: Reduce, Recycle and Reuse. Further, she remarks, “I always wanted to make souvenirs for tourists that are fully locally produced and locally sourced and which will give a touch of Naganess, hence the traditional gourd dolls.” Love Stitch was recently upgraded to 'Love Stitch & Weave' in order to promote handloom products.

For the home based crafter, ‘Love Stitch & Weave’ is more than business. It is a hobby which she loves to create for those who share the same love and interest for the craft and art. “It gives you a sense of calm and contentment to see a finished product and I am obliged to create products for those who love and appreciate my works though it may not be fine,” says Visa.

Popularizing craft making
Keholeno further believes that “craft making has always been in Naga blood” since time immemorial, where craft making was practiced in various innovative ways in their daily lives.

“It slowly seems to have faded away with the technological advances, and our generation getting everything readily available,” states Keholeno.

However, she shared the optimism that crafts and handiworks are gaining popularity in Nagaland through platforms like the Hornbill festival. “It has become a platform for many Naga artisans and crafters to showcase their talents to the world. This is also one of the main reasons behind many of the local artists and crafters emerging with all their talents and innovative ideas, and also, in return showcasing our rich traditions and culture through their arts and craft,” mentions Keholeno.

With consistency, Keholeno affirms that the new emergence will definitely revive the Naga tradition of craftsmanship.