This 40+ Year-Old Weaving Mill is Keeping Tradition Alive
Ever wondered how fabric is made? We travelled to Sooriya Weaving Mill, a family-run weaving mill in Sri Lanka’s southern province, to witness the process in it's traditional form firsthand.
Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's southern province lies a beacon of tradition and craftsmanship: Sooriya Weaving Mill. Established in 1976 by Mr. and Mrs. Sooriyaarachchi, the mill was born from a vision to rejuvenate the island's rich handloom heritage. The name "Sooriya," derived from the Sinhalese word for "Sun," symbolizes the energy and vitality the founders aimed to infuse into the traditional weaving industry. Today, under the stewardship of the founders son, the mill stands as the largest handloom factory in Sri Lanka's southern province, blending time-honored techniques with a commitment to quality and community.
Our Visit
Upon arriving at Sooriya Weaving Mill, we were immediately enveloped by a tapestry of colours and the rhythmic sounds of textile production in the works. The mill exudes an atmosphere where history and artistry converge, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into the world of traditional dyeing and handloom weaving.
Mr. Chandana Sooriyayachchi, the co-founder’s son, graciously guided us through the facility (tours are free for all visitors - and we couldn't help but drop that we also work with cotton!). His passion was evident as he shared the mill's journey from its humble beginnings to its current prominence. He emphasized their dedication to using 100% virgin cotton, ensuring that every product offers exceptional comfort and uniqueness.
The Dyeing Process
The transformation of raw cotton into vibrant textiles starts with the dyeing process. At Sooriya Weaving Mill, both synthetic and natural dyes are used, but we were especially curious about their natural dyeing methods, as these are more eco-friendly and sustainable.
One particularly cool example is the use of jackfruit dust to produce a rich, rusty orange hue - we didn't even know that this was possible! This natural dye not only offers a stunning color but also underscores the mill's commitment to natural and innovative practices.
The dyeing process is meticulous. After cleaning, the cotton is sun-dried for several days. Once dried, it's immersed in dye baths, ensuring each fiber absorbs the desired colour - they also do a type of ombre effect where one end of the cotton is dyed a darker colour and the other end a lighter or even a different colour all together. Following dyeing, the cotton undergoes rigorous rinsing and color-fastening procedures to ensure longevity and vibrancy. Finally, the dyed cotton is again hung outside, allowing the sun to naturally dry and set the colors.
The Weaving Process
Stepping into the weaving house, we were struck by the harmonious blend of human skill and traditional machinery. The process begins with artisans manually pulling individual cotton strands through small rungs, spinning them into thread spools. These spools are then used to create larger wheels of thread, which are subsequently brought to the loom for weaving.
The weaving itself is entirely manual. Observing the women at work was mesmerizing; their hands moved with precision and expertise, a testament to years of dedication. Many of these women hail from the surrounding area, with some having dedicated over four decades to their craft at the mill. The oldest employee we met was in her 80s and still very nimble! She has been working at the mill before the founders son was even born. The mill not only provides employment but also offers professional and personal mentoring, aiming to uplift and empower their predominately women-led factory.
The Shop
After witnessing the intricate processes of dyeing and weaving, we visited the on-site shop, a paradise of items made from their own textiles. The store boasts a diverse range of products, including home decor like pillowcases, napkins and tablecloths to beautiful cotton button-ups and robes. The products aren't sewn on location but at another design house in the area - that will be a tour for next time!
Being Mindful of the True Cost of Fabric
Visiting Sooriya Weaving Mill was an eye-opening experience, offering a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and effort behind each roll of fabric. Having seen large-scale textile production before, witnessing this slow, traditional process was truly fascinating. It’s easy to forget just how complex the journey from raw cotton to finished fabric really is- think about it: plantation, cultivation, ginning (separating fibers from seeds and impurities), cleaning, exporting, importing, dyeing, weaving, finishing, and then the actual sewing. Each step requires skill, patience, and human hands working tirelessly behind the scenes.
It’s a journey we rarely consider when shopping for clothes. So next time you buy something new, take a moment to appreciate the work that went into it.
Let’s buy less, choose well, and take care of what we own!
