Doria

From the desert sands of Rajasthan comes another fabric that I simply can’t get enough of. Doria is a fine cotton silk blend that is lightweight and paper thin. It has a unique delicate open mesh like weave that allows the air to pass through. Its is so fine that it is almost transparent and when printed with  block prints as it often is, becomes an exquisite creation.

Also known as Kota , this fabric is made up of cotton and silk yarn in different combinations in warp and weft. They are woven such that they produce square check patterns in the fabric. These checks are popularly known as “KHAT”.

While Doria is commonly woven with more cotton, these days doria in silk is also finding currency.

I love this fabric with its ethereal beauty and find it perfect to wear on a hot summer day.

Acknowledgements :

http://www.kotadoria.com/kota-doria.html

http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/7333/hand-crafted-elegance-kota-doria

Dabu prints

I wouldn’t be wrong in saying that everyone is familiar with Dabu prints . You see them everywhere: on saris, table cloths and clothes for men and women. Their lovely earth colours in deep maroon, indigo and henna green are rich and elegant and rustic at the same time.

Dabu printing is an ancient mud resist block printing technique from Rajasthan. Like most Indian handicrafts that languished in the March towards Modern Times, it has been thankfully revived . It is highly labour intensive and is a popular village industry.

If you want to find out more about this please check out here 

I’m afraid I’m a bit confused about this print which I found in my cupboard but I am quite sure it is a dabu  because it is a hand block printed sari from Rajasthan.

Disclaimer : I am neither a textile manufacturer nor a historian . I am just passionate about textiles and fabrics. I have gathered all my information from the Internet. Please excuse any errors and omissions.

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