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Himachal is a state where after every 10 km there is a new region and in each new region is the origin of new unique craft, culture, tradition, and art.
Kullu, the capital town of the Kullu district located on the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley (also known as “Valley of Gods”) is about 10 kilometres (6.21 miles) north of the airport at Bhuntar. Kullu town has an average elevation of 1,278 m and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. As a result of which it experiences the utmost cold in all 12 months of the year. The temperature range in Kullu valley varies from about 20͒C during the summers while December and January, the extreme winter months observing the lowest temperatures ranging from −4 to 20 °C, with some snowfall. Evenings and mornings are also frigid during winters and mostly in summers as well. This effect of climate is also seen in the clothing styles of Kullu people which appears as the creation of a masterpiece called, “ KULLU SHAWLS”- a type of shawl made in Kullu, featuring various geometrical patterns and bright colours.
Originally, the innate Kullvi people weaved plain shawls handcrafted by handlooms without any designs, but with the advent of craftspeople from Bushahr in the early 1940s, the trend of more patterned shawls came to rise. Shawls from Kullu have been produced by hand for hundreds of years.
On one side in the crowded weaving room seated are the Pahari women spinning yarn on the charkhas while on the other are the men and women in front of their large loom weaving, paused to pass the bobbin encased with woollen thread through the skins of warp or operating in the specific detail of the geometrical motif. Their skill spreads in implementing even pressure to the loom, to guarantee that the weave is uniform. Based on an inherited skill and an almost natural perception this craft is nurtured and refined through years of practice. As the skills expanded along with methods of weaving use of patterns was also seen later on. Now the typical Kullu shawls have geometrical designs on both ends and the yarn used are also mill dyed and of natural wool colour.
Kullu Shawls are well recognised throughout the world for its simplistic and artistic designs and the well-made excellent woollen fabric which is extracted from merino wool, local sheep wool, pashmina, angora, and the mixture of these and also for its manufacturing quality.
The Himachali shawl is a fluffy woollen fabric (sometimes mill spun or mostly handspun) measuring 1m x 2m. Draped around and over the shoulders and chest, these shawls are worn by both men and women, but men’s shawls are usually termed "Loi" or "Pattu" and are usually plain without any pattern or insignificant patterned stripes on two edges.
Looking back to the history designs were introduced onto the shawls in the late 1940s, mainly representing the local flora and fauna of the Kullu district, with symbols portraying the Gods of the Valley. They are now contemplated to be a fashion item throughout India and the rest of the world, as well as for warmth and affection.
The shawls now have floral designs, which may run all over. Each design may have up to eight colours. Most popular colours are often vivid bright colours, used to emphasize the shawl and make it more appealing, however, there are instances where the shawl is made with a more dull colour, such as pastel. Shawls are made in many variations of single or multiple designed, invariably brightly coloured to embrace the richness, diversity, and uniqueness of the area.
The cost of these shawls can range depending on its design and additional factors.
In spite of the expensive cost of these shawls, these are very popular amongst its admirers because of its organic essence(handcrafted), elegant designs, and its warm and gracious woollen fabric. Prices of Kullu shawls depends on many factors including the number of those patterns used in shawls, type of design patterns used, the wool quality used, and the quality and character of the fabric made of those wools. Prices of these shawls can vary between Rs. 800/- to Rs 10,000/- and the more expensive shawls are also available in the market but are often hard trying to find.
Performing a very important part in the prosperity of the valley, Kullu shawl is one of the major sources of income for peoples of the valley where thousands of them earn their living by weaving. As many as 20,000 people work part-time and around 10,000 full-time workers earn their bread with this shawl weaving only. These shawls are manufactured in the valley by neighbourhood people who have acquired their talents from their antecedents. These shawls are all woven by hand using handlooms which can be found in almost every house in rural areas. These are used to weave shawls and fabric for other clothes to fulfil their own needs or for commercial purposes. Kullu shawls are also an essential piece of the heritage of Himachal Pradesh due to which state government provides many privileges to weavers so this heritage can prosper and can be protected.
These days some outside businesses especially from Ludhiana, are providing cheap factory-made shawls with mimicked designs and sell it on big discounts. These are leaving a poor impression about authentic Kullu Shawls' market and valley’s economy. Consequently, it is demotivating weavers who have been working on this craft since decades making this beautiful art die a slow death. Handmade Kullu shawls are getting a very tough competition because of its relatively higher cost as it requires a lot of hard work.
There were many steps taken by the state government lately to prevent such duplicacy. Most crucial of them all is assigning of Geographic Indicator (GI) to Kullu Shawls (http://hpscste.nic.in/pbulletin/third.html) which is found only on those shawls which have been manufactured in the Kullu only and made using the handlooms. This is to regulate the sale of power-loom-made shawls in the name Kullu Shawls.
How to make sure whether you are buying original or fake??
Follow these tips to guarantee you do not end up purchasing false, factory-made shawls:
Soy Protein Fiber (SPF) is the only protein fiber made from soybean cake. Their physical properties are same as that of synthetic fiber. It gives tremendous change in properties like smoothness /lustre/ comfort/ absorbency/ strength/ shrinkage when mix with other fibres. Inspite of this, SPF is the only renewable botanic protein fiber. Its 16 amino acids are healthy and nutritional to people's skin.
6. Coconut fibre
Coir or coconut fibre, is a natural fibre extracted from the husk of coconut and used in products such as floor mats, doormats, brushes and mattresses. Coir is the fibrous material found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut.
7. Wood
The raw material for lyocell is cellulose from wood pulp. Lyocell is more accurately described as a recovered or regenerated fiber. Waste products in the air and water from the manufacturing process are minimal and considered harmless. Lyocell fiber is eco-friendly since products made from it can be recycled and lyocell is biodegradable because it is a cellulosic fibre.
8. Beech tree fibre
Modal fabric is extremely hard-wearing and keeps its shape and finish, even after frequent washing. Unlike garments made from synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester, Modal fabrics does not trap perspiration and odours. Modal is up to 50 percent more absorbent than cotton, so clothes never feel sweaty and sticky.Modal is a type of rayon, a semi-synthetic cellulose fiber made by spinning reconstituted cellulose, often obtained from beech trees.
9. rPet
RPET stands for recycled polyethylene terephthalate. PET is a strong, durable and recyclable material that is used for soda bottles, water bottles and food jars, while RPET can be made into such products as blankets, insulation, car parts, shoes and more.
]]>Vegetable dyes are prepared and applied onto the fabric with the help of wooden blocks or "kalam" (pen) is used for freehand drawings and filling in the colors.The process involves 17 laborious steps to highlight the beauty of delicate patterns. Approximately 8 to 10 craftsmen are involved in creating one yard of this fabric. Characteristic features of the kalamkari pattern include the richness of the colors produced by rapid absorption of natural dyes.
Kalamkari Art is usually used to depict stories and scenes from the Indian Mythology. Traditional motifs include cypress trees entwined with a flowering vine, poppies and intricate jaal, all in indigo and white. These motifs are used as an expression of summer in India. Equally, noteworthy is the size of the Machilipatnam blocks and the scale of the traditional print area, both of which exceed other block painting traditions in India.
Travellers would often tell stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Panch Tantra and used hand paintings to depict tales. This practice of numerous craftsmen eventually got recognition in the Mughal era. Today also, the art is being followed with the same manual techniques and dedication, with Andhra Pradesh being the largest producer of Kalamkari Sarees. A notable fact is that only natural dyes are used in the striking designs of kalamkari painting.
Chennur Silk and Mal-Mal Cotton are the primarily used fabrics on which the Kalamkari art is done. The traditional Kalamkari Sarees sport a plethora of designs withdrawn from the rich Hindu religious heritage. Artworks of Gods and Goddesses such as Krishna, Ganesha, Vishnu, Saraswati, Radha-Krishna, Shiva, etc, are amongst the most common and can be found in vibrant colours or elegant monochrome shades.
The art of kalamkari is the bread-winner for a number of families in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This art has been passed on from generation to generation and is still being practiced with reverence despite all the challenges faced by the artisans.
Click here to buy sarees with Kalamkari Art.
]]>The making of Ikat patterns is a tad bit different from the tie and dye processes. Ikat patterns are dyed and bound into the threads before the cloth is weaved, whereas in case of the tie and dye process the fabric is woven in the first place. Orissa Ikat uses a process called ‘resist dying’. The core fabric materials used in the Orissa Ikkat are silk and cotton. And the tools required for carrying out this process are dye vats, scissors, rubber bands, or other tying material to resist dye.
Orissa Ikat is present in three main forms that are single Ikat, combined Ikat, and double Ikat. Orissa Ikat sarees which are of low ranges are used as daily wear and the premium ranges sarees can be used as festive wear. These sarees have also appealed to the modern world with many celebrities wearing and showcasing these sarees.
For a saree designer, it is imperative to be aware of the sartorial taste of a buyer; to be able to wade through what is there on their mind. An integral element for every sari lover is to have a distinctive appearance with a style that showcases her penchant for nothing but the best. It is here that traditional prints make their grand entry. Among these prints, Ikat fabric is one which has always been popular for its unparalleled beauty. Ikkat or Ikat refers to the dyeing technique used to create designs on the fabric. Bundles of yarn are tightly wrapped together and then dyed to create a desired pattern. Once it’s dyed and dried, the weaver lines them on the loom to weave it into Ikkat fabric. It is an incredibly complicated process but worth the beauty when one witness the final outcome.
Global passion for Ikat sarees has seen an unbelievable upsurge owing to the fact that several designers have included Ikat fabric in their collection. It is suddenly the talk of the fashion industry. Even the West seems to be besotted with the charm of Ikkat sarees to make an appearance in ethnic clothes. There is an upsurge in the demand of Ikat saris as it brings out the gleaming debonair of the inner self of the saree lover. If you are enamored with the beauty of these sarees and wish to buy Ikat sarees online, we at Fashionous are the best platform.
Ikat silk sarees or Ikat pattu sarees as it is called in some regions of India, are a stylish option to go for while planning for a casual get together or even an office gathering. The absolutely unique flavour of Ikkat silk sarees is so different from the regular silk patterns and hence imparts a stunning look to the wearer. If you are a lover of cotton fabric, we at Fashionous have an amazing collection of Ikat Cotton Sarees too. They are what you need to an everyday wear special and unique. Ikat saris at Fahionous offer various styles and patterns and are available in hues that make them all the more desirable for a woman to own them. Browse through our collection of Ikat sarees for astounding detailing of this print in a voguish charm. Buy them dear friends, to stay stylish today and forever.
]]>The fashion industry (comprising designer and basic clothing, footwear and accessories) is highly complex and characterized by short runs, fast turnover.
Taken aggregate, the textile and clothing life cycles consume more energy and water than do the product life cycles of any other industry other than construction or agriculture.
The power of fashion
Nevertheless, it is important to respect the power of fashion and adornment, and understand its significance in cultures across the world, from the earliest people to the present day. Fashion performs many roles: it is a social catalyst, a communication medium. Through our clothing we can show we belong to the crowd or make radical statements that proclaim our differences. Fashion provides livelihoods, and sustainable fashion must continue to meet our personal and symbolic needs, while addressing the intrinsic problems of the fashion system.
Here is a list of sustainable vegan fabrics that are better for the environment and does not cause harm to animals
1.Organic cotton
Organic cotton is generally defined as cotton that is grown organically in subtropical countries such as India, Turkey, China, and parts of the USA from non-genetically modified plants, and without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides. Its production is supposed to promote and enhance biodiversity and biological cycles. Cotton covers 2.5% of the world's cultivated land but uses 10-16% of the world's pesticides, more than any other single major crop. Like other vegan fabrics, organic cotton is easier to clean than wool, faster drying, and softer to the touch.
2. Linen
Linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant. Although it is laborious to manufacture, but the fibre is very strong, absorbent and dries faster than cotton. Linen can be used in making many products such as aprons, bags, towels, napkins, table runners, chair covers, bed linens, men’s wear and women’s wear. Linen easily releases moisture into the air, which keeps you cool. In addition, it is non-allergenic, and requires considerably fewer pesticides and fertilizers than other crops and is both recyclable and biodegradable.
3. Seaweed
Dried seaweed is crushed coarsely, ground, and simultaneously introduced into cellulose fiber, from which materials for a wide variety of textiles, known as SeaCell, are manufactured. SeaCell is a fibre with many benefits. It is breathable and light. The fabric feels soft and supple against the skin. The most impressive aspect of this fibre, however, is that the nutrients seaweed are retained in the fibre, which the skin can then absorb. Natural body moisture promotes this transfer of nutrients, when the skin comes in contact with the fabric. Not only is the product biodegradable, the manufacturing method also follows sustainable practices.
4. Hemp
Hemp is called a fiber of hundred uses. It was important for textile, paper, rope and oil production. Hemp is environmentally friendly in many ways. Hemp has a deep root system that helps to prevent soil erosion, removes toxins, provides a disease break, and aerates the soil to the benefit of future crops. True hemp is a fine, light-coloured, lustrous, and strong bast fiber. When spun, it is rather like flax but thicker and coarser. It is a very strong fiber and is used in the manufacture of carpets, rugs, ropes etc.
To be continued..
]]>The artisans have experimented with a variety of fabric and design to suit your need for different occasions. Bandhani silk sarees are classy and glamorous and are apt to be worn for special occasions like wedding and other celebrations. A Rajasthani bride’s pride is a Bandhani print saris. This is now true for most brides all across the country as girls witness the vibrant charm of Rajasthani Sarees and wish to include them in their wedding trousseau.
Bandhani cotton sarees at Fashionous are also a vision of graceful beauty. They make an excellent daywear and owing to the soaring temperature range of most parts of our country, it makes a wise choice as well. Ladies, if you wish to buy Bandhani saris online visit our store at Fashionous. The mesmerising collection will compel you to buy more than what you had intended to, such is the essence of their beauty. Wishing all of you a delightful Rajasthani Bandhani sarees online shopping. At Fashionous we know you deserve the best and it’s our commitment to bring you the most exclusive. So splurge in shopping, dear ladies, you are going to love your buy!
]]>PEACOCK MOTIF - Peacock which is now the national bird of India is the symbol of Indian ethnicity, tradition and exquisiteness. It is often associated with rain and in southern part the peacock is considered a vahana or vehicle for lord Muruga. In Indian textiles this motif is printed, woven or embroidered with different colour combinations.
GOOSE OR HAMSA MOTIF
This motif represents the symbol of spirituality and vahana of Brahma, saraswathi. It is used in woven and embroidered textiles in southern India and known for its highly stylized intricate forms. We can see the motif usage in Kasuthi embroidery and Kalamkari prints etc.
LOTUS MOTIF
Lotus flower symbolizes prosperity, wealth and closely associated with goddess Sri Lakshmi. Most of the Indian textiles use Lotus as the main motif. It is seen in kanta, kasuti embroidery and woven textiles like ikat, paithani etc. In Hinduism it represents Sun and Creation, in Buddhism and Jainism it symbolizes perfection and purity.
PAISLEY OR MANGO MOTIF
This motif is used in wide range of Indian textiles. During British rule they carried Kashmir shawls to Paisley, a town in Scotland and there they adapted these motifs and it began to popularize as Paisley pattern. These patterns are exceptionally ornate, classic and royal. In south India these motifs are famous in kanchipuram silk sarees and are known as Manga butta.
TREE OF LIFE MOTIF
This motif illustrates Tree with Flowers, Fruits, Birds and Animals giving an idea that all life on Earth is related and depends on each other. Lot of colours is used in this motif and are popularly seen in embroidery and kalamkari designs.
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According to the historical records of the 17th century of East India Company, Dhaka produced the fine embroidery called ‘Chikan’. After that, the Chikankari craft was brought to Lucknow in the 18th century. It is said that Noorjahan, wife of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir introduced it in Lucknow. Chikankari is claimed to be one of its kind due to its kind of hand embroidery.
This artistic work of embroidery is done with untwisted yarn and also a little assistance of needle on a fine plain fabric. The material used is normally plain white, pink, maroon, shades of green and so the work of embroidery could be seen clearly on the material.Previously, Chikankari craft work was always done on muslin or mulmul, however, with changing times, the work started being done on different kinds of fabrics as well.
Chikankari craft is a very versatile form of embroidery that can undoubtedly change from a conventional look to a contemporary look and from an easygoing look to a dressy look. There are a lot of styles and assortments which are available like sarees to suits, Anarkali suits, tops, skirts, palazzo pants, accessories and so on. Pieces or products with Chikankari craft done can be used to give yourself a traditional look and a western look as well.
Some more info on Chikankari craft: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chikan_(embroidery)
]]>These silk sarees are handwoven with mulberry silk. This silk is dyed with various beautiful colors and then woven together with the golden thread which is also known as ‘zari’. This whole process takes about a maximum of 10 to 20 days for one saree, and that too by 2 or 3 weavers at a time. These sarees carry various designs such as that of the sun, the moon, various animals such as the very beautiful peacocks, the royal lions, the parrots and the swans, royal chariots etc. Designs keep varying in various parts of the saree, such as the pallu might consist of various temple depictions, with contrasting colors and tones.
With the society evolving in every aspect, even the saree has evolved a lot. It initially started with the 9-yard sarees that were woven to blend well with the patterning of temple stories. But, over the period of time, these sarees have also been converted to 6 yards with the gold zari weaving. In the earlier days, this weaving was bound to be a gold weaving, but nowadays even artificial gold zari is used, to keep the shine intact.
Being one of the most lustrous and beautiful silks, Kancheepuram silk is mostly used in auspicious ceremonies like weddings, or festivals.
]]>These shawls were woven in the Surendranagar district of Gujarat. This has been a very the indigenous craft which has a deep-rooted origin and history of about 700 years embedded in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. First of all, these shawls are woven in pit looms and then knot with a contrast color thread, which is then woven into the textile to create the effect of raised dots, which is the signature style of this fabric. Several geometrical patterns and dots are created as their designs.
Having its own traditional roots, these shawls are also used by the women of Bharwad shepherd community of the Wakaner, Amreli and other Kutch areas as a wrap-around skirt. Thereafter, Tangaliya shawls have also been provided the Geographical Indication tag to protect its tradition and to ooze its popularity.
]]>When it comes to style, jamdani sarees are two types; Butidar and Tercha. Butidar consisting of floral patterns throughout the body of the fabric while Tercha has the same floral patterns diagonally across the border of the fabric. This may also be referred to as ‘Jhalar’.
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The traditional method for extracting the fiber of screwpine leaves involves coconut fiber. The coarse fibers remove the small thorns that appear on both sides of screwpine leaf. These fibers are processed, i.e. dyed and tied together into small clumps. The raw fibers are cooked in boiling milk for some time. This helps to cure them and makes them silkier. Authentic screw pine products can be quite expensive.
Tough and artful screw pine mats are very popular amongst locals of Kerala. However one can also find delicate artwork done with screw pine hats, purses, tablecloths and blinds. Due to this, it is a very popular craft amongst tourists as gift articles and souvenirs.]]>The Changpa tribe is known to be the traditional producer of Pashmina wool in Ladakh. The people of this tribe rear sheep in harsh and chilly winter to produce this wool. Every spring the cashmere wool is collected from the goats shedding their winter coats.
The Pashmina has two different varieties such as Ladakh Pashmina and Pashmina from Nepal. The shawls from Nepal are considered to be the best in quality as the goats are adapted to harsh winter climate and hence have an exceptionally warm and light fiber. Ladakh pashmina also being slightly similar to the one from Nepal with the very unique and incredibly soft pashm.
A pashmina can last for years if taken proper care of it. It gets softer and more lustrous with each wash.
]]>The golden color and the shine of the fabric attracts many buyers. This shine is said to improve after each wash making it a product that will last the buyer her lifetime. Other than the golden yellow base color, additional colors can be added via embroidery and zari work making the product even more attractive. Some of the motifs that are embroidered include Jappi (the typical assami topi), Miri Gos Butta (a pattern of miniature tree motifs) and kabutar (pigeons). These motifs are always geometrical in shape and have not changed over the years.
Muga silk still remains a classic amongst all saree collections of Indian women. It’s traditional outlook and non-versatility make it largely demanding amongst various age groups in India. Muga silk saree price can range between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1,50,000. However, with the original golden glow and the silk being one of the highest qualities of silk available, makes the cost worthwhile.
]]>The ancient agate mining and cutting industries in the area around Khambat (“Cambay”) in Gujarat province, India were started by Baba Ghor, a circa 1500 AD merchant from Ethiopia who had led a large number of Muslim people settle in that area. The Cambay area doesn’t have mineral deposits that are why the stone is brought from the Rajpipla Hills about 200 kilometers away. According to some records, this work must be going on in this region for 4000 years.
There are four kinds of agates- the common, the moss, the Kapadvanj and the veined. The Carnelian stone is renowned as the ‘most pious stone’ in the world. Agates of Cambay come in various colors like yellow, moss, rose, black, white and grey hues. Amongst all of these stones, the blood-colored stone is the most popular.
The distinct features of this fabric include its intriguing square pattern. The fabric is very lightweight and is most comfortably worn in summers. It is very low maintenance making it one of the favorites of our population.
The unique square weaves are called ‘khats’. This one of a kind checkered weave of the Kota sari is made on the traditional ‘pit looms’. 300-350 khats are made across the width of the fabric and each by 8 cotton and 6 silk yarns. The colors of Kota Doria sarees are generally white or beige colors. However, with passing time and advent of modern technologies, new colors are being fabricated. Since these sarees are mostly in cotton, they are not very difficult to maintain. Simple cold water washing with shadow drying are the only requirements. This makes it one of the more popular designer sarees online.
Kota Doria is produced on the very traditional and age-old pit looms with throw shuttle technique. All these processes are carried out by hand. The process of winding and warping is used. The yarns are dyed manually by dipping them in utensils filled with heated water and pre-dissolved dyes.
Though gradually, but the market for Kota Doria craft is certainly growing because of its individuality.With the evolution of new techniques and amazing designs, the demand is definitely set to grow in the markets and create a great appeal amongst any kind of audience.
]]>The warp threads for the body are prepared seperately from the pallu. Both using different silks; artificial or pure. Generally the color used on the border is the same as the pallu. The distinct characteristic features in these sarees is the embroidery called as Kasuti. These designs are of palanquins, elephants, lotuses, etc. The sarees are generally 9 yards in length. The pallu carries designs of temple towers, made of red silk with white patterns. The border is very broad and usually in red or maroon color.
The saree is made either of cotton or a mixture of cotton and silk. Sometimes may also be available in pure silk. Traditionally, colors used are pomegranate red, peacock and parrot green. These sarees are famously used for bridal wear and are made of a colour called Giri Kumukum which is associated with the sindhoor worn by the wives of the priests in the Karnataka region.
]]>Pagadis are also used as a very important piece of accessory on many occasions, be it a wedding or some prayer ceremony. Some religions also use it as their symbol of honor, that is the Sikhs. Pagadis have also become a kind of trendsetter these days. Many people wear it just for the royal look that it gives once you wear it.
]]>Varanasi, which flourished as a textile centre when it was the capital of Kasi kingdom, in the 5th or 6th century BC, became a crucial centre for silk and cotton fabrics. Around the 17th century, when the silk weavers from Gujarat migrated to Kasi, the Zari and brocade work started on to the sarees. These brocade works saw a new development during the Mughal period.
The designing of the Banarasi sarees have also evolved with time. From floral patterns, bird and animal depictions to Butidar designs to many other patterns like jaal or jali and florals, and the most recent geometrical designs, Banarasi sarees have seen it all.
These sarees are available in a lot of beautiful colors and also have a lot of varieties in the zari design which could be golden as well as silver. Also banarasi sarees can be categorized into four distinct varieties, namely pure silk, organza with zari and silk, georgette and shattir.
Click Here to shop Banarasi Sarees.
]]>The sarees feature bright colored border designs with the minimal use of shining zari. Like most south Indian sarees, it’s appeal lies in its lavish pallu and border designs. Motifs, which are created by the artistic interplay of silk and cotton thread woven together. After the fabric is woven, complicated design processes are carried out in designing the border and pallu. These sarees come on the affordable side, ranging between Rs 400 and Rs 1200. It is a traditional sari that should belong to every saree collection.
]]>These sarees are made by the Saurashtra communities since the sixteenth century during the Nayak dynasty rule in Madurai. These weavers were the ones who migrated into southern India along with the Nayak dynasty or the rulers. The word ‘sungudi’ is specially denoted to Sourashtra community and is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘sunnam’ which means ‘round’. Thus, sungudi actually means ‘ringed dots’. These ringed dots are spread all over the saree due to which it gives a unique and special appearance to the saree.
Madurai Sungudi sarees are made of pure cotton. Nowadays, women prefer to wear these sarees due to its soft fabric which enhance the aesthetic look and have become a favorite among women of all age groups. Unbleached cotton sarees are being woven by handloom and as well as power loom. After that, the tie-dyeing process is carried on. Sungudi sarees have Bandhani pattern which is lightweight and comfortable for all age groups.
In the past generation, only the natural colors were used in sungudi sarees. Attractive colors like red, deep yellow, maroon, burgundy, deep blue colors were used for dyeing. Nowadays with the modern techniques around, even artificial colors are used for the sarees. This overall evolution in the case of Madurai sungudi sarees has made it more loved among its customers.
Click here to buy authentic Madurai Sungudi Sarees.
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Salem silk sarees come in bright colors with large motifs. The fabric is very soft and durable making them aesthetically appealing. With almost 130 spinning mills and weaving units, Salem has more than 20,000 families engaged in creating these beautiful sarees.
]]>Raw materials used in making the saree are obtained from a single cacoon. Processes like soaking, twisting, wafting and winding are followed once the density of the silk is assessed. The weaving process involves two types of looms; Dob by loom and the Jacquard loom. It takes 4 hours to make one saree. The next step, degumming, which helps to smoothen the fabric. The saree is then sent to be dyed and wash. Once semi-dried these sarees are steam ironed and then the saree is cut to the desired length. Each saree is measured at about 5.5metres. During this stage, the saree is also stamped with a unique identification code that allows you to always be sure of its authenticity.
The natural sheen and rich texture of the genuine silk and pure gold zari gives these sarees their distinct features. The plain one-toned color sets the saree apart from the rest of the products in the Indian market. It’s luster and simple design can be spotted from miles away. Motifs like mango buttis and floral borders are being used nowadays. Kasuti embroidery and Bandhani designs are also seen on the sarees.
Original Mysore silk sarees can cost anywhere between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 7,000. However, the more expensive ones can go up to Rs. 2,00,000. These sarees are also now manufactured in keeping with some of the style of the buyers. For this purpose, Karnataka government employes NIFT graduates to innovate and design these sarees based on the trends. The best way to maintain these sarees is to dry clean them and store them in special plastic saree bags. Detergent must be avoided at all costs during the first three washes.
]]>After soaking the fabric in raw sea salt and non-refined castor oil and goat dung it is then dried three times in succession. After drying for 15 days, the cloth is dipped in a solution of harada or baheda powder and washed in flowing river water. The deep hue of Bagh prints is brought on by boiling the fabrics in water with dhavdi flowers and roots of aal tree, all in a copper vessel.
Characteristic features of Bagh prints include there geometrical patterns of floral motifs, usually in tones of black, red and blue. Most of the bagh prints are replicas of drawings made by the Pandavas during their stay in caves. Teak blocks are carved with sharp tools and are immersed in oil for days. These blocks are used as stamps, with colors that are extracted from various raw materials. These include tamarind seeds mixed with alum (red color) and iron filings with jaggery (black color). Authentic Bagh prints have a distinctive smell of alizarin (organic dye).
]]>Predominantly, these sarees showcase abstract temple motifs where the border of the saree is interlocked with the shell to produce a temple design.These sarees are woven using dobby looms with a mix of traditional and computer designs.The demand of these sarees can be seen mainly in Mysore, Bangalore, Shimoga and Gulbara. These sarees are worn with traditional gold jewelry on the neck, wrists and ears. Molakmuru weavers also produce silk brocade sarees with extensive zari work on them, which are often included in bride’s traditional trousseau.
]]>The process of weaving a Chanderi has been practiced over many generations. It has created a long lineage of skilled weavers who cannot be replaced. Being one of the jewels of India’s textile industry it holds a special place in every wearer’s collection. Originally, the fabric is woven with hand-spun cotton yarn which can be fine upto 300 counts. This fine count cotton is extracted from a special root called Kolikanda. It is light yet strong. Warp and wefting is carried out to produce this piece of art. The thread count in warp process can range from 4,000 to 17,000 depending upon the quality required.
The butis motifs on the handloom are made with various types of needles and are coated with gold, silver or copper dust. Weaving these sarees is a very tedious process and it requires two weavers to sit side by side on the same loom. The yarn used for weaving was earlier coloured only with natural dyes, but today both chemical and natural dyes are used. The entire process can take over 3 days, sometimes even more depending on the complexity.
Known for it’s transparency and sheer texture, these sarees are set apart by their lightweight and glossy texture. Chanderi’s offer motifs like gold coins, churi, bundi, keri, phul-patti, akhrots, paan eent, and many others. These hand woven motifs on extra wefts sets the Chanderi a class apart from it’s sister silks. Chanderi silks can be roughly bought around Rs. 5,000 and the price increases quickly depending on the complexity of the design. A stand-out feature of chanderi silks is that a handwoven Chanderi will always have an uneven surface and will be available in soft hues.
Click here to visit our Chanderi Sarees Online Store Page.]]>Materials used and dyeing process:
The handloom dress materials include cotton yarn, Tussar silk and Aul tree roots for the textile work. The most important aspect of these products is the organic dye used. The natural dyes are extracted from the Aul tree, which grows in the Kotpad area. It takes about 15 to 30 days for the color to be extracted and for the threads to be dyed. This dyeing process is long and tedious. The natural cotton used is bleached to make it whiter and then massaged using castor oil and paste of cow dung. It is soaked in ash water, sun dried for almost two weeks to obtain an even color tone. This also ensures the fabric is incredibly soft. Black and maroon are the prominent colors obtained from their extraction process. It is prepared in an eco-friendly manner, non-toxic and unharmful to the skin. Some artisans also add a vibrant yellow color to their handlooms by making the use of turmeric or ‘haldi’ root in their dye extraction. Typically, these sarees are done in two colors; one being the base and other being the ornament color for the motifs.
Design of the fabric:
The motifs used on the fabric that is crab, fish, conch boat, axes, fan, bow, temple reflect the cross-cultural linkage of the Kotpad area. These motifs are developed by using extra wefts or yarn. Expert craftsmen work on as many as 2 to 4 sarees at a time. They are warped on the loom at the same time. Solid border effect of the fabric is brought up on which pig by pig insertion of thread by use of multi shuttle and interlocking method.
Popularity among the younger generation:
Kotpad sarees offer an excellent blend of colors and soft fabric, which provide the most comfort to the wearer. Although they generally weave this material for “Bhotada”, “Dharua” and different themes of their neighbouring tribal groups, these are the reasons it is growing more popular amongst the younger generation.
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