Friday, January 13, 2012

Talk on Hand Weaving at dāram



Over the last decade, Dastkar Andhra has engaged with handloom industry in order to lobby for the sector and intervene in the value chain for understanding issues and growth for the industry. Dastkar Andhra has carried out a successful design and marketing programme for a decade now and we would like to take this opportunity to understand issues in identity for the producer who is engaged in the practice and also issues of technology and product when the consumers are changing at a rapid pace.

In the changing environment where the end product from the loom is very difficult for the weaver to comprehend, what is the relationship between yarn count, construction and technique of weaving? How do any designer and weaver achieve the desirable texture, which will enhance the final product in terms of drape and feel? How does one understand the role of pre-loom and loom technology, skill of the weaver and available knowledge among the community to achieve the appropriate texture? The draping style of sari becoming same across the country and salwar kurta set being the new product, how will different weaving techniques and structures lend themselves to the above products? Jagada Rajappa will elaborate on these points and share her understanding from her vast experience of working with different handloom weaving techniques across the country.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Dastkar Andhra Sankranthi Mela at dāram

This January Dastkar Andhra welcomes spring with cotton handlooms, bead jewellery, handmade leather footwear, hand painted Kalamkari and traditional kites at Dastkar Andhra Sankranthi Mela. Dastkar Andhra brings select artisans and their craft together to introduce them to Hyderabad at dāram from 10th-14th January 2012. Dastkar Andhra Marketing Association will showcase its wide range of Andhra Cotton Handloom Sarees, yardages and dupattas. Complementing the handlooms will be bright colourful beads & thread jewellery and footwear from Rajasthan. Accompanying these will be artisans from Kalahasti with their collection of hand painted Kalamkari paintings and beautiful kites to offer colorful oblations from kite makers of Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. Asian Heritage Foundation will offer a range of traditional pickles from Guntur district to complete the Mela. Host of offerings for Sankranthi to bring in the new and to have a happy, colourful outing with family and friends.