PROJECT BRIEF:
To come up with traditional yet contemporary saree designs for Cherai Handloom Cluster as part of the collaborative project ‘Care 4 Chendamangalam’.
The objective of the project was to uplift the handloom cluster and give a distinctive identity to the cluster. A two day workshop was conducted by the Rouka design team to analyse the skills of the weavers and to familiarize them with different aspects of weaving so they could get an overview of the processes and be able to come up with design developments of their own.
COLOUR STORY:
Designs were inspired by the colour story "the culture of Kerala' which was approved by the clusters master weaver and head designer. Different stripe, check and other weaving and yarn development techniques incorporated.
The execution of the weaving and yarn development techniques onto the saree is done in a minimal but prominent way which is do-able with less time and effort.
DESIGN 1
Details :
Green warp and weft with golden zari border.
Warp insertion along length and extra weft motifs along pallu and body
Warp insertion along length and extra weft motifs along pallu and body
The motifs are randomly positioned to make it easier for the weavers who aren't experienced in motif weaving
DESIGN 2
Details :
Black warp and weft with golden zari border.
Warp and weft insertion on the pallu.
Warp and weft insertion on the pallu.
The motifs are randomly positioned to make it easier for the weavers who aren't experienced in motif weaving.
Pompoms on borders
Pompoms on borders
DESIGN 3
Details :
White warp and white weft for the body and pallu
White warp and Pink weft on pleats
White extra weft edge finish with fray ends giving fringe like effect
Extra weft insertion design along pallu
DESIGN 4
Details :
Green warp and weft with golden zari stripes along warp
Warp insertion along pallu and pleats in a checkered box like design
DESIGN 5
Details :
White warp and weft with thin golden zari stripe
Extra weft motifs along the border
DESIGN 6
Details :
Pink warp and pink along pallu and body
Pink warp and Green weft for pleats
Extra weft motifs along pallu and body
Extra weft edge finish along pallu and body
EXPLORATIONS
Yarn development and weaving technique explorations done at the weaving workshop by the weavers, which was conducted in the Cherai Weaving Cluster by the Rouka design team
