My Saree Stories: Part 20 (Embroideries of India)
India is home to several stunning forms of embroidery. Here is my humble attempt at recording some of the popular embroideries which are featured on sarees. These come from several states of India, and there are distinct…
My Saree Stories: Part 19 (Ikats of India)
The term ikat comes from the Malay word ‘mengikat’ which means to tie or bind. When it comes to the ikat technique, it is difficult to say where it originated. The art of resist dyeing the threads…
My saree stories: Part 18 (Ode to the Laal Paar)
This edition of my saree stories is a Durga Puja special. It is an ode to the laal paar saree. Red bordered sarees or laal paar sarees embody the quintessential Bengali woman. Red symbolizes fertility, while white…
My saree stories: Part 17 (Odisha weaves)
Today’s blog post is the second edition of my collection of Odisha’s gorgeous weaves. I have previously written about the Odisha handlooms in Part 13. (click here to read). In the previous edition I had covered the…
My saree stories: Part 16
This edition of my saree stories has hand woven sarees from Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Vidarbha. And a unique yarn. Have you heard of the phenkwa technique? Or futki yarn? Can you differentiate between…
My Saree Stories: Part 15
Welcome to yet another edition of my saree stories after a long break. This time there are legends and traditions and the history of unusual sarees. I’m sure you have heard of Baluchari, Chikankari and Ponduru khadi…
My Saree Stories: Part 14
Time to talk about some more spectacular weaves of India in this edition of my saree stories. Read about the glorious heritage of the Patola saree, the Ponduru khadi, the Aayiram butta saree, the Jawariya daana saree,…
My Saree Stories: Part 13 (Odisha Weaves)
Now, I have wanted to do this for a long time. Today’s blog post is dedicated to the gorgeous weaves of Odisha. It has been enriching discovering and learning so much about the textile heritage of this…
My Saree Stories: Part 12
It was the Sankranti season, and in Maharashtra it is common to wear black to conserve heat in this winter season. I aired a lot of black sarees, but each is unique in its weave. Enjoy learning…
My Saree Stories: Part 11
The eleventh edition of my saree stories features a saree with intricate Lambani embroidery, a saree from the Bodo region of Assam, and the not-so-amusing story of my bridal makeup. Saree #101: A cotton Ilkal saree with…