For centuries embroidery has been an expression of personality. Over the years, working with needle and thread has been, by far, the most enduring form of personal expression; adorning cloth, piecing it together, adding strength and embellishment. In India, embroidery patterns can be so distinct that a child can recognize someone from their village just by the stitch-work on their clothing.
There is nothing quite as comforting as a good book. We know this to be true — and so we have selected some highly recommended new releases and also some of our all-time favourites. Open the cover of any one of these and you will discover a whole new world.
Delightfully soft merino wool blankets with woven motifs. Styled after ancient Persian designs and woven in Kashmir, India. Choose one to add a colourful accent to any bed or couch. Fold one and drape it over the back of a chair — it becomes an invitation. Snuggle under one, drape one over your knees, wrap one around your shoulders. Kashmir blankets — woven comfort.
Ajrakh is a traditional block printing technique. It is also one of our favourite ways to achieve pattern on cloth. For centuries, wooden blocks have been used to print eloquent geometric patterns on cotton.
Weavers know that cloth is like architecture. You can build it with structure and form and depending on where and how you place your threads, you will achieve desirable effects with colour, texture, drape and movement.
Mend what is torn and in the process you make it a bit better, and you add a little of yourself into the cloth. Embellish with a stitch that tells of who you are, how you care, and what you can do.
Any day of the year, really, is the right day for a shawl. We find comfort in cloth, held next to our skin, wrapped around us. Under a coat or over your shoulders, a shawl is so simple - a rectangle of cloth - yet it is the very idea of comfort.