Page 8 – Project LooM

View from the Fort: Chanderi history

Shoba NarayanFeb 24, 2019February 26, 20190

I grew up in South India where forts are not as common as in the North. This part of India has not been invaded

The poem that gave jamdanis the phrase “woven air.”

Shoba NarayanFeb 22, 2019October 23, 20190

It is almost a tired cliche. As anyone about jamdanis-- or chanderis for that matter-- and they will trot out the phrase, "woven air." The

The Kalakshetra Connection to Kanchipuram

Shoba NarayanFeb 15, 2019March 5, 20190

Everyone talks about Kalakshetra sarees. But here is what you need to know. A Kalakshetra primer in one paragraph if you will.Founded by Rukmini Devi

Difference between Power LooM and Handloom

Shoba NarayanFeb 15, 2019February 1, 20210

Once the saree design is satisfactory, it gets punched into a series of cards that are used in the jacquard loom (a power loom). Each

Magnet for All Faiths

Shoba NarayanFeb 11, 2019March 5, 20190

The second reason why Kanchi was so famous throughout India had to do with its being a magnet for all faiths. There is Buddha Kanchi,

The Ingredients of a Saree….or a Saree Recipe…..

Shoba NarayanFeb 11, 2019January 28, 20190

Sources The silk comes from Mysore. The zari from Surat. The dye is either natural or more often, chemical. The design comes from tradition. The

Sarees for the Gods…and these days, mortals

Shoba NarayanFeb 11, 2019February 1, 20210

It begins with a drawing, says Krishnamoorthy, a master weaver in Kanchipuram: first by hand, then on a computer. “A weaver cum designer,” corrects Shivakumar

Weavers of the Lotus Thread: Kanchipuram weavers and their history

Shoba NarayanFeb 11, 2019March 5, 20190

There are four castes involved in weaving in Kanchipuram: the Devangas, Saurashtras, the Sengunthar and the Padma Saalis. Each have a different lineage and interesting