In the ancient city of Varanasi, where tradition weaves its way through the fabric of daily life, handloom weaving stands as a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship. Yet, amid the intricate patterns and vibrant colors, a silent struggle unfolds—one that echoes through the aches and pains of the artisans themselves. Picture this: hours spent hunched over, shoulders tense, back curved, as skilled hands move rhythmically across the loom. It's a scene of dedication and artistry, but also one fraught with risk. Poor posture, exacerbated by the demands of their craft, takes its toll on the bodi ..read more

In a paper entitled  "Study of property and structural variants of mulberry and Tussar silk filaments" by professor Mohan Gulrajani, one can get several hints which may lead to the answer to the question. "A glance at the typical tensile behaviour reveals that the stress-strain curve of these two varieties is distinctly different, in that tasar shows a clear yield point and very high elongation compared to the mulberry filament." Conclusion 1:  Tussar silk can undergo significant stretching before permanently deforming. The tusar silk stress-strain curve exhibits a clear yield ..read more

At least a study suggests so.  A paper titled "Study of property and structural variants of mulberry and Tussar silk filaments" by professor Mohan Gulrajani has suggested this idea.  Earlier research suggested that the wet strength of silk specially Mulberry reduces considerably when subjected to water during laundering. This happens because in an aqueous environment, the hydrogen bonds between the molecules break. These bonds are crucial for maintaining the structure and strength of the fibers. However the paper suggests that " silks can be machine washed at 40-60ºC provided ..read more

 Source 1. Until 1995, only small motifs were created using 'Adai' or dobbies. Now bigger motifs with Jacquards are also in vogue. 2. Arani is located in the Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu. 3. In Tamil, Aru means river and Ani means adorning. Arani means a place made beautiful by rivers. 4. In Arani, still street sizing is practiced 5. These sarees are characterized by Korvai and Thazhampoo Rekku on the borders.  In Hindi, "Thazhambu flower" is known as "केवड़ा फूल" (Kewda Phool). Kewda is a type of fragrant flower commonly used in perfumes, culinary preparations, and religiou ..read more

The blog post is based on the this article: In the ever-evolving landscape of textile manufacturing, maintaining the highest fabric quality is paramount. Traditionally, defect inspection has relied on human visual scrutiny, often employing semi-automated methods. However, this approach is labor-intensive and costly, prompting the need for more efficient and cost-effective solutions. Enter automatic inspection systems for defect detection, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial neural networks, threshold segmentation, structural, statistical, and model-based approaches, as well a ..read more

This thought-provoking article points out the fact that how GI certification is not complete and does justice to the realities by taking Kanchipuram Sarees as an example. I could take away two points from the study. Point 1: Rhetoric of Authenticity  The author talks about GI as a "rhetoric of authenticity influences how artisanal products are valued and marketed " as practiced in Europe. Authenticity as a Value Proposition: In many markets, the perceived authenticity of a product can significantly enhance its value. Consumers often associate authenticity with quality, tradition, and ..read more

This post is based on this Article In a world where vivid colors weave into the very fabric of our lives, the unsung heroes behind these hues often face unseen challenges. Roadside dyers, integral to the textile industry, work tirelessly to bring color to our world. However, their occupation exposes them to serious health risks, a topic often overlooked but crucial in understanding the industry's human cost. The Hidden Dangers of Chemical Dyes: Chemical dyes, known for their strong covalent bonds to textiles, are widely used for their durability and vibrant colors. Yet, these very attributes ..read more

Kanjivaram sarees are renowned for their luxurious fabric made from pure mulberry silk. In this chapter, we will explore the characteristics and qualities that make Kanjivaram silk the finest fabric, known for its lustrous sheen, durability, and rich texture. The Significance of Silk: Silk has been cherished for centuries as a prized fabric associated with royalty, luxury, and elegance. Kanjivaram sarees are exclusively woven with pure mulberry silk, which is considered the finest variety of silk due to its strength, sheen, and softness. The use of silk enhances the overall beauty and drape o ..read more

The weaving technique is at the heart of Kanjivaram sarees, defining their intricate beauty and exceptional quality. In this chapter, we will delve into the detailed process of weaving Kanjivaram sarees, exploring both traditional handloom weaving and modern power loom techniques. Traditional Handloom Weaving: Handloom weaving is the traditional and time-honored method of crafting Kanjivaram sarees. Skilled weavers, often belonging to weaving communities like the Devangas and Saligars, dedicate themselves to this meticulous art form. The process begins with the selection of high-quality mulbe ..read more

Deconstructed saree is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Indian garment known as a saree. In its traditional form, a saree is a long piece of fabric, typically around 6 yards in length, that is draped around the body to create an outfit. However, deconstructed sareetakes a more modern and unconventional approach to this garment. In deconstructed saree, the fabric of a traditional saree is dismantled and reconstructed into a new form, often incorporating elements of Western fashion or contemporary design. The saree' fabric is repurposed to create separate pieces such as blo ..read more