Kamaniya Kantha - Kamaniya Makes Kantha Memorable
Kamaniya Kantha as we all know is a form of quintessential hand embroidery and folk art. But how much do we really know about this exclusive pattern that we often see commonly in our everyday lives or even in exclusive items of high fashion. Such is its variety that you may find it in a cute, cosy quilts of a newborn or you may see it making a sensational fashion statement in a saree from some haute couture fashion house.
Well, Kamaniya also has their own take of this timeless traditional embroidery art in a memorable kantha collection. So, let us know about kantha in general and kantha work at Kamaniya, as we read on.
Quick history of kantha and how Kamaniya upholds it
Kantha as you know is practiced in eastern India mostly in West Bengal and then in Orissa and Tripura in India and overseas in Bangladesh. It was originally done as a form of running stitch on warm quilts made from layers of used, worn-in dhotis (lower garment of men in India) or sarees (a drape for women in India). The main material was cotton, to keep it soft and comfortable.
Kamaniya mostly uses silk and tussar textiles as its base for it creating its variety of kantha craft. However, it ensures a high degree of comfort even while using these fabrics. The cloth that it uses is fine and delicate and easy to wear and maintain.
Kantha typically means patched cloth or rug. It was traditionally created in the form of simple, running stitches when it all began. Later on, as years went by, it developed into more intricate forms of stitches and came to be called Nakshi kantha. Kamaniya uses the traditional running stitch form and technique to make this embroidery tradition stand out in beauty, innovation and style. Though running stitch may sound like some simple easy to create form, when it has to be sewn on yards of fabric to create extravagant items it is a time-consuming and labour-intensive task. And who are the people behind this wonderful and elaborate craft?
Kantha was primarily done by rural womankind. Women in rural areas would sit for hours singing songs of yore and use their nimble fingers to create “lep” kantha or soft quilts or underpads for people to use. It was very common to use it for new born children as underpads due to the softness and comfort of the used fabrics it was stitched on.
Kamaniya keeps alive this tradition and has encouraged and motivated more and more women to come forward and becomes self-reliant while creating these highly skilled forms of embroidery work. The kantha that these women craft for Kamaniya are not only dream items of women of high fashion but also upholds the stories, thoughts, and aspirations of their talented creators.
Kamaniya is the guiding factor for these women to stitch kantha with specific ideas and instructions. At the same time these women also pour in their heart, mind and soul to join hands with Kamaniya and produce the most unique kantha items.
A variety of kantha products from Kamaniya
Kantha stitch patterns and motifs finds place in most of Kamaniya’s prized collection: from sarees to kurtis and dupattas; from long to short jackets, to blouses and coatis. The kantha work of Kamaniya is full of life, colors, ideas and imaginations. The work can be dense or minimal. The colors can be very bright or subtle and subdued. The art can be mythical, geometric, flowery, scenic, boho etc. or even a mix and match of various ideas. This ensures that Kamaniya’s kantha items have a wide variety for different types of clients and caters to their unique choices.
The variety that Kamaniya creates also ensures that in its kantha kitty there something for every kind of occasion. If you may want to wear a kantha item for a marriage party and are thus looking for something very colorful, intricate and gorgeous, you will surely find something in Kamaniya’s collection. On the other hand, you may want something simple for a religious or auspicious occasion; yes, Kamaniya will have something for you too. All you need to do is check out its varied items and take a pick according to your requirement, occasion, style and choice and yes your suitable budget too.
The price range is also varied. From moderately priced to very pricey items, Kamaniya has something to suit everyone’s pocket.
How Kamaniya crafts its kantha stitch
Kamaniya's kantha work is based on the straight or running stitch. This is the most original form of the stitch since it became practised years ago. It is a simple form of stitching that can actually produce the most intricate patterns and motifs. It could cover the entire fabric with dense patterns and vibrant colors despite its simple form.
The running stitch finds perfection in the thrifty hands of rural women who work on it with their heart and soul. This is a form of stitch they use every day to darn a cloth yet it can also be used by them to develop the most remarkable kantha craft that turns into the most stylish items.
This running stitch is highly sustainable too as it does not need complex machinery or huge power consumption. All one needs is a set of swift and skilled hands, threads, needles, spool, scissors and an encouraging and safe environment to spark the imagination required to sew endless kantha patterns on rich fabrics. Kamaniya ensures that not only are it items artistic but truly sustainable too.
Kamaniya kantha makes unforgettable
With all this and much more, Kamaniya gives this artistic form of stitching and needle work a new dimension. You will never be disappointed with any of Kamaniya’s kantha items due to its stringent quality checks as well. Each item is created with love, passion, care and careful attention. So, come join hands with Kamaniya to make kantha the most coveted part of your awesome apparel collection.