Blog on Indian Crafts and Craftspeople - Metaphor Racha. – Page 2

Top 25 Questions About Khadi Answered: A Complete Guide by Metaphor Racha

Khadi is deeply woven into India's history and cherished by its people as a representation of freedom, culture, and sustainability. Its unique handspun and handwoven characteristics symbolize a lifestyle that values simplicity and self-reliance. Here are the answers to the top 25 questions related to Khadi. 1) Are khadi products 100% natural? Khadi products are primarily made from natural fibres, such as Cotton, silk, and wool. However, not all Khadi products are guaranteed 100% natural, especially regarding specific blends or treatments. For instance, while Khadi cotton is typically made from pure Cotton, some Khadi fabrics may incorporate...

In the world of sustainable clothing, one fabric stands out for its unique properties and rich history: Khadi cotton fabric. This ambara charaka handspun and handwoven fabric offers many benefits, making it a top choice for eco-conscious consumers and fashion enthusiasts. Let's delve into Khadi cotton's breathability, durability, and eco-friendly aspects. The Unique Structure of Khadi Cotton YarnKhadi cotton's exceptional qualities stem from its distinctive production process. Unlike machine-spun yarn, which typically has a "Z" twist and rarely an "S" twist, manually spun Khadi yarn is always an "S" twist....

Waffle Towels: The Textured Revolution in Comfort and Functionality 1. What is a Waffle weave? A waffle weave, also known as a honeycomb weave, is a distinctive textile pattern characterized by its three-dimensional, grid-like structure resembling a waffle or honeycomb. Dr. Eliza Weaver, a textile historian, explains, "The waffle weave's unique structure is achieved through a specific arrangement of raised and sunken squares, creating a series of small pockets across the fabric's surface." This intricate weaving technique dates back to the 18th century and has been widely adopted in various...

The History and Significance of Khadi: Explore the origins of Khadi, its role in India's independence movement, and its cultural significance.Khadi - The Fabric of Our Heritage:Undivided India, a pioneer in cotton cultivation since 2000 BC, employed traditional hand-spinning and hand-weaving methods in fabric production. Evidence of this ancient practice can be found in the excavated objects of the Indus Valley civilization. The term Khadi is derived from "Khaddar," a word used to describe India's coarse handspun and handwoven cotton fabric. Image courtesy Harappa. com By the late 17th century,...

Last week, I watched a wooden blockmaker at work in Andhra Pradesh. I have always been drawn to this craft and could not resist buying a few wooden blocks with vintage designs and skillfully carved. I chose five coloured complex blocks hand-carved by these master craftsmen. Before leaving, I spent time with the craftspeople and listened to their achievements and challenges. Later, I was handed the bill for my purchase with 18% GST. I can pay the tax very well, but my thoughts were more about the tax itself. When...

Slow Fashion: Redefining the Norm

At a recent event, a well-wisher introduced me to someone who mentioned that Metaphor Racha is all about "slow fashion." I stood there grinning awkwardly, realizing I had no real grasp of the term. After recovering from the encounter, I turned to Google for answers. The definition I found described slow fashion as producing high-quality products, promoting a clean environment, and ensuring fairness to both consumers and producers.But as I reflected on this, I couldn't help but wonder: shouldn't this be the normal way of working? Why is it labelled...

Transforming Textile Waste Into Art

The Journey to Zero Waste Fashion At Metaphor Racha, the fabric of our work is deeply interwoven with our dedication to sustainability and responsibility. We are a craft-based e-commerce business specializing in eco-conscious womenswear made from 100% handspun and handwoven cotton. Our mission is to redefine waste and breathe new life into every scrap of fabric. Redefining Waste: The Hidden Costs Waste in the fashion industry is often measured by the number of garments discarded over time. However, we look beyond the surface, recognizing the immense effort and countless hours...

In my years of purviewing the FABRIC OF FREEDOM, I've discovered a profound respect and love for Khadi. This manually spun and hand-woven cloth, rich in history and texture, carries with it tales of both fine luxury and the beautiful coarseness of everyday life. Khadi, to me, is more than just fabric; it is a celebration of coexistence and the embodiment of self-reliance.A Tale of Two TactilenessNearly two millennia ago, the Romans referred to the cloth imported from India as 'nebula,' meaning breezy or mist-like, to describe the hand-spun and...

Beyond Price: Valuing Craftsmanship

"True value lies not in the price tag but in the story and impact of a product."In our journey as a small craft-based e-commerce business, we frequently encounter questions about the cost of our products. Queries such as "Rate? What's the price? Why is it costly? Any discount? Why so expensive?" are common. We address these questions patiently and logically, understanding that knowing the price is important. Yet, it is essential to look beyond the numerical value and consider the more profound implications of our purchases.Our website is designed to...

Decoding Cotton Textiles by Process

Decoding Cotton Textiles by Process In the realm of textiles, defining a fabric by a generic name can often obscure the rich tapestry of methods and traditions involved in its creation. Recently, when asked to describe a specific fabric, I suggested a shift in perspective: understanding textiles through their processes rather than just names. This approach is particularly relevant in trade-marking and Geographical Indication (GI) tagging, where comprehensive deliberation is crucial. "Every thread tells a story; every process, a legacy." This shift in understanding is vital for conscious consumerism and...

In the past few years, as consumers become more aware of their purchasing power and its impact, questions arise like, "How can we be conscious consumers while supporting handmade products?" and "In the current economic scenario, it's not just the sellers but the buyers who are struggling, so what should we expect?" These crucial questions highlight a significant challenge: the handmade industry was not flourishing even before the pandemic. The economic upheaval has only made these challenges more apparent, especially on social media platforms."Conscious consumerism is not about buying less;...

In the intricate world of textiles, the threads of tradition and technology often intertwine, creating a complex tapestry of stories, skills, and societal impacts. As a craft-based e-commerce business, we frequently inquire about the difference between handloom and power loom fabrics. This curiosity reflects a deeper interest in not just the material but the hands and hearts behind these creations.The Essence of HandloomHandloom weaving is an age-old craft that embodies human ingenuity and heritage. Each handloom fabric piece is a testament to the weaver's skill, creativity, and cultural heritage. The...

Block Printed Khadi Dupatta - Kuh

Block Printed Khadi Dupatta - Pesce

Block Printed Table Placemats - Black and Rose

Block Printed Table Placemats - Fiji Blue