It was in 3000 BC the Indian Textiles started its versatile and vibrant journey with its extensive use of mordant dyes and printing blocks. The vast diversity and variety of fibers, intricate weaving on its state-of-art manual looms and its organic dyes attracted buyers from all over the world for ages.
India gave the
world Madras checks from Tamil Nadu, Ikats from Andhra and Orissa, tie
and dye from Gujarat and Rajasthan, brocades from Banaras, Jacquards from Uttar
Pradesh, Daccai from West Bengal, and Phulkari from Punjab through its immense
textile treasures. The story of the Indian handlooms is all about patient
nurturing of an industry which touches upon the livelihood of millions of
Indians.
Lots has been
lost and lots has been kept alive by the ingenuity and skill of artisans which
contributed to the success in preserving the long tradition of excellence in
Indian handlooms. One such tradition is the Madras checks which was
called the Bleeding checks or bleeding Madras as it leached color in every wash
and it survived for long inspite of low fastness in colour due to good
patronage by people. They liked the look of the fabric as it changed colour
every time it was laundered.
The fabric is
mentioned many times in the S.E. Hinton book "The Outsiders" as a
favored pattern of shirts and jackets worn by the Socs. The book is set in the
early 1960s, a period when Madras was particularly fashionable amongst preps.
It is also mentioned several times in the song "M79" by the American
band Vampire Weekend. (Source: Wikipedia).
Indian handlooms
are going global in a big way and have been duly supported and patronized by
designers, gurus of sustainable design , nonprofit organizations and of course
the green earth global pilots.
Madras checks
came a long way from cotton in plaids to a fabric which is now made in rayon,
silk, linen and even polyester and their blends. "Striped in Design",
checks or plaids. From natural dyes to chemical bleeding dyes to
colorfast colors it has made a full circle "Stripped of Chemicals"
back to the natural colors supporting the Slow Movement in good earth practices.
Historically Madras checks from Madras now Madras checks is being made us in
Natural dyes. Way to go in Handloom.
We at KaumudiStudio, make handloom clothing exciting !!!
Dr.Sharmila NagrajNandula
Founder Kaumudi Studio
Shop @ : www.kaumudistudio.com
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