Re-inventing Handlooms
Handlooms…Imagination Unlimited
In the near chaotic situation that has faced the world economies over recent times, one product has withstood and triumphed over the fickle markets- the humble Indian handloom fabric. Never pausing once in all its years of existence, continuously evolving, adapting and improvising, Indian handlooms have a come a long way.
What sets the Indian hand-woven fabric apart is the intricate craftsmanship that is handed down through successive generations of weavers. Be it intricately exclusive or functionally utilitarian, this is a fabric that is truly human-in every sense of the word. A fabric that defines grace, dignity of human labour and the beauty of imagination, finds expression through a handloom.
Handlooms are the unique work of a master craftsman. It reflects the touch of another human being and speaks volumes of the culture of the place and society that influenced its form. Options to create as many designs as can be conceptualized, superior textures, unlimited color combinations in the hand inserted weft and thousands of design possibilities are unmatchable strengths of the hand woven fabric. This is probably why this exclusive craft form has sustained the interest of the global consumers over many decades.
So the next time you pick up a cushion cover, made out of pure handloom cotton, do pause and savor for a moment, the care and attention lovingly bestowed upon it by a weaver sitting at a loom many miles away, practicing the art taught to him by his father, weaving into the fabric a portion of his individuality, dignity and creativity which he is so graciously gifting to you.
If you love color and texture, then visit the Swadeshi Store in Koramangala, an exclusive home furnishings store dedicated to home furnishings and accessories in pure hand woven cotton that will transform your attitude towards all things handloom.
It sits snugly, like a butterfly in a cocoon, with an old Bangalore façade of Mangalore tiles, bargeboard and monkey-top forms the shop entrance, while a traditional loom cues you to the cottons inside. The price tagged wares notwithstanding, the store manages to be wholesome and cozy as a private sanctum rather than aggressively up-market. The colors, from ochre and khaki to olive and rust, make exciting, spanking new crayon boxes of the cleverly nondescript shelves.
With the noonday light caught and patterned by the exquisitely hand-embroidered herringbone curtains at one window. And the furniture here and there, outfitted in strong solids and elegant checks that scatter a pocketful of home design ideas. A beanbag by a window, with lots of little pillows and enormous cushions leaning lazily below it. A table set for four, with perfectly co-ordinated tablecloth, placemats, napkins, matte finished wooden golden candle stands and matching coasters and bowls. Corners lit up by hanging lamps with brilliant blinds, set off by king-size bedspreads and cozy cushions, all touched with a magic touch of intricate hand embroidery that is all the rage at the moment.
Long years in export have lent western chic to Swadeshi fabrics, sourced from Swadeshi’s own production center in Kerala that has a reputation for producing the highest quality of pure hand woven cotton. The traditional skills of the Kerala weaver and the moist, humid conditions gives it a tautness and strength that sets it apart from cotton produced elsewhere in the country. The fabrics are pre-washed reducing shrinkage from 5-7% and the azo free dyes ensure machine washability and color fastness.
The product range is extensive, bold checks and creative plaids by the yardage, in over 300 different qualities with co-ordinated stories in a host of accessories. To help you with color co-ordination, if you so require, are friendly staff that are well trained in the hows and whys of doing up your home. Having a store in their own building has kept the prices very reasonable and giving value for money certainly seems to be the USP of this unique store.
For those perfect accents, throw in their sumptuous cushions in all sizes along with their elegant table linen, bedspreads, ready curtains, bathmats, shopping bags, travel kits, floor rugs, beanbags, hammocks and more…All in various colors, textures and designs.
In the near chaotic situation that has faced the world economies over recent times, one product has withstood and triumphed over the fickle markets- the humble Indian handloom fabric. Never pausing once in all its years of existence, continuously evolving, adapting and improvising, Indian handlooms have a come a long way.
What sets the Indian hand-woven fabric apart is the intricate craftsmanship that is handed down through successive generations of weavers. Be it intricately exclusive or functionally utilitarian, this is a fabric that is truly human-in every sense of the word. A fabric that defines grace, dignity of human labour and the beauty of imagination, finds expression through a handloom.
Handlooms are the unique work of a master craftsman. It reflects the touch of another human being and speaks volumes of the culture of the place and society that influenced its form. Options to create as many designs as can be conceptualized, superior textures, unlimited color combinations in the hand inserted weft and thousands of design possibilities are unmatchable strengths of the hand woven fabric. This is probably why this exclusive craft form has sustained the interest of the global consumers over many decades.
So the next time you pick up a cushion cover, made out of pure handloom cotton, do pause and savor for a moment, the care and attention lovingly bestowed upon it by a weaver sitting at a loom many miles away, practicing the art taught to him by his father, weaving into the fabric a portion of his individuality, dignity and creativity which he is so graciously gifting to you.
If you love color and texture, then visit the Swadeshi Store in Koramangala, an exclusive home furnishings store dedicated to home furnishings and accessories in pure hand woven cotton that will transform your attitude towards all things handloom.
It sits snugly, like a butterfly in a cocoon, with an old Bangalore façade of Mangalore tiles, bargeboard and monkey-top forms the shop entrance, while a traditional loom cues you to the cottons inside. The price tagged wares notwithstanding, the store manages to be wholesome and cozy as a private sanctum rather than aggressively up-market. The colors, from ochre and khaki to olive and rust, make exciting, spanking new crayon boxes of the cleverly nondescript shelves.
With the noonday light caught and patterned by the exquisitely hand-embroidered herringbone curtains at one window. And the furniture here and there, outfitted in strong solids and elegant checks that scatter a pocketful of home design ideas. A beanbag by a window, with lots of little pillows and enormous cushions leaning lazily below it. A table set for four, with perfectly co-ordinated tablecloth, placemats, napkins, matte finished wooden golden candle stands and matching coasters and bowls. Corners lit up by hanging lamps with brilliant blinds, set off by king-size bedspreads and cozy cushions, all touched with a magic touch of intricate hand embroidery that is all the rage at the moment.
Long years in export have lent western chic to Swadeshi fabrics, sourced from Swadeshi’s own production center in Kerala that has a reputation for producing the highest quality of pure hand woven cotton. The traditional skills of the Kerala weaver and the moist, humid conditions gives it a tautness and strength that sets it apart from cotton produced elsewhere in the country. The fabrics are pre-washed reducing shrinkage from 5-7% and the azo free dyes ensure machine washability and color fastness.
The product range is extensive, bold checks and creative plaids by the yardage, in over 300 different qualities with co-ordinated stories in a host of accessories. To help you with color co-ordination, if you so require, are friendly staff that are well trained in the hows and whys of doing up your home. Having a store in their own building has kept the prices very reasonable and giving value for money certainly seems to be the USP of this unique store.
For those perfect accents, throw in their sumptuous cushions in all sizes along with their elegant table linen, bedspreads, ready curtains, bathmats, shopping bags, travel kits, floor rugs, beanbags, hammocks and more…All in various colors, textures and designs.
posted by Misha | 1:11 PM
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