| India, the land of diverse cultures, of | | | | |
| diverse customs, of diverse languages and | | | | Â |
| habits, and of diverse arts and crafts, yet | | | | |
| united together by a single bond, its | | | | Expressing the stark monotony of the |
| cultural richness, its art and craft, known | | | | engulfing deserts, the patchwork items of the |
| to the world since ages. Patchwork, a sibling | | | | westernmost states of Gujarat and Rajasthan |
| of the rich handcraft and art of the Indian | | | | reveal the imaginations and innovations of |
| subcontinent. | | | | the craftsman. Bold and beautiful, created |
| | | | with warmth and artistry, patch work still |
| Â | | | | remains the integral art of the western |
| | | | states. |
| Also known as piecing, patchwork involves | | | | |
| joining together pieces of fabric into a | | | | Â |
| larger design. Patches of various shapes and | | | | |
| colors lead to the making of a larger design, | | | | From patchwork quilts and bedcovers to |
| usually based on repeat patterns. Patchwork, | | | | patchwork wall hangings , runners and cushion |
| one of the primary construction techniques of | | | | covers, the range of patchwork items is a |
| quilting, is often combined with | | | | great one. When used in the making of a |
| appliqué. Basic geometric shapes are | | | | quilt, the large colorful composite patchwork |
| usually used in the making of most of the | | | | becomes the top of a three layered quilt, the |
| patch work items which need precise joining | | | | middle layer being the batting and the bottom |
| so that it lies without puckers. | | | | layer the backing. The patchwork quilts are |
| | | | tinged with warmth and color, an artistic |
| Â | | | | appeal sprinkled all through. A patchwork |
| | | | quilt is a respite from the staid |
| Patch work in India is mainly associated with | | | | conventional ones. |
| the westernmost states of Gujarat and | | | | |
| Rajasthan, though Punjab and Orissa also | | | | Â |
| practices this craft. Various coloured and | | | | |
| patterned fabrics of different shapes and | | | | Patch work bedcovers and patchwork bed |
| sizes are together on a plain background. An | | | | spreads are a modern way to give a |
| important feature characterizing Indian | | | | traditional touch. A karwachauth celebration |
| patchwork is that the stitches of the patches | | | | with a patchwork bedcover becomes more |
| are not hidden but are done with jazzy shades | | | | celebrative. A patchwork bedcover would make |
| which get highlighted, adding a more artistic | | | | any festival more celebrative, more colorful. |
| appeal. | | | | |
| | | | Â |
| Â | | | | |
| | | | A newer trend is setting in of using |
| Making its way to India from Europe and | | | | patchwork in decorative items. Patch work |
| Arabia, patchwork in an important craft in | | | | wall hangings are a traditional way to add |
| the country now, creating a unique art making | | | | color to every living room. Mounted onto a |
| dramatic use of colour. Gujarati patchwork | | | | plain staid background, a patchwork wall |
| items are the most well known ones. Highly | | | | hanging looks gorgeous and fashionable. |
| ornamented with motifs, the magical spell of | | | | |
| patch work items lies in the contors of each | | | | Take a break from staid leather, black and |
| individual. Glaring motifs of trees, birds | | | | brown……use patchwork |
| and animals in bold colors can be seen in | | | | cushion covers, an easy way to earn |
| each patchwork item - shaped patches sewn | | | | compliments, and approvals for your designer |
| unto cotton cloth. | | | | outlook. |