DOUBLE CLOTH = DOUBLE FUN

 

SONG OF THE LOOM

From Khadi of Ponduru to Telia rumals of Chirala (now extinct) or Silk-Jamdani of Uppada to fine cotton weaves of Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh is known for its hand-woven textile traditions. 

The initiative taken by NID-Andhra Pradesh to create awareness about the rich textile heritage of the state is commendable. The focus on bringing handloom artisans into classrooms to interact with design students is a practical and hands-on approach to fostering a deeper understanding of the craft.

The collaboration between faculty and weavers, as described in the weaving studio at NID-Andhra Pradesh, is crucial for bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical outcomes. It's interesting to note the intentional deviation from small repeats to lengthy repeats in handloom textiles. This strategic use of lengthy repeats, up to 2 meters in length, adds a unique dimension to the textiles, making the repeats practically undetectable to the naked eye when transformed into apparels.

The collaborative exercise between the faculty and the weaver, where the faculty maps the design idea at the macro-level and the weaver fine-tunes and weaves the final textiles, is a great example of how theory and practice can come together in the creative process. It not only enhances the skills of the design students but also contributes to the preservation and evolution of traditional handloom techniques.

By showcasing the concepts developed through this skill development program, NID-Andhra Pradesh is not only celebrating the textile heritage of the region but also promoting innovation and experimentation within the traditional craft. This approach ensures that the handloom traditions continue to thrive and adapt to contemporary design sensibilities, securing a vibrant future for Andhra Pradesh's textile legacy.