By Jess Everett

India’s neighbouring countries include China, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Burma and Bhutan. India only really has 3 main seasons which are summer, winter and monsoons, as spring and autumn are very brief. Coolest weather lasts from November to mid-March, with cool, fresh mornings and evenings and dry, sunny days. Really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between April and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer between June and September.

Sarees are basically long pieces of cloth worn draped in a number of styles around the body. Sarees are usually worn over a blouse and petticoat, to keep the saree from sticking to the skin. Many modern Sarees are made of synthetic materials that are woven into patterns by machine. These materials have the convenience of not needing to be ironed, but they are less fine in craftsmanship. The most basic Sarees are a single length of fabric with a rough end and a decorated end. Peasant Sarees for everyday use are often decorated very simply, with plain lines or checked patterns. Nicer Sarees contain very much decorative work, through tie-dying, weaving in coloured threads – sometimes even made of gold or silver, and embroidery work. The decoration of the saree depends on its purpose and the amount of time that goes into its creation.

Folk embroidery One of the most important techniques is heer embroidery which has bold geometric patterns worked in silk. The style of embroidery depends on the area of India the maker is from. The Mutwa women of the Banni area have a distinct style of embroidery. They create fine embroidery works with stylized motifs and mirrors of the size of pinheads. The Gracia Jats use geometric patterns of embroidery works on the yoke of their long dresses. Sauurashtra also makes embroidered quilts. Kutch prepares quilts with appliqué works and also makes quilts from small multi- coloured cloth pieces. Bikaner has a distinct style of embroidery, which is prepared on woolen ordhnis with woolen thread. Embroidered pieces are usually prepared for use during festivals, marriages and other important social functions.

Batik Batik is an art that is believed to be at least 2000 years old. The Batik technique is a development of resist printing. The basic process of batik is simple. Firstly, the fabric is painted with molten wax and then dyed in cold dyes after which the cloth is washed in hot water. The wax melts and the pattern emerges. The effect of this resist technique is soft and subdued and the outlines are not clearly defined.

In the Indian culture, embroidery is a form of self-expression. They create patterns that are connected with their native culture, their religion, and their desires. Basically, the pieces mirror the daily life of the people.

The colours used within Indian clothing, decorations and furnishing are very bright colours. Mostly red, pink, orange and yellow. Although, there is a hint of cool colours such as blue, purple and green to break up the brightness. For items such as candles, lamps and wall hangings the patterns used are mostly flowers. Whereas for items like lanterns, they are mostly star shaped.

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