India can be termed as the homeland of myriad fabrics and textiles designed in luminous hues and patterns. One of the many textiles of the traditional handloom in India is Ikat - a handwoven fabric whose charm and versatility allows year-round comfort. However, there's more to it than meets the eye!
Ikat comes from the Malaysian word ‘mengikat’ meaning “to tie, bind, or wrap around” and involves using a resist dyeing process, similar to tie-dye where either the weft (left to right) or warp (up and down) yarns are dyed before they are woven on the loom. In double Ikat, both warp and weft yarns are resist dyed prior to weaving whereas, compound ikat combines warp- and weft-ikat methods in a way that forms independent, complementary patterns all in the same fabric.
The resulting patterns have a “cloudy” or “blurred” appearance that comes from the slight bleeding of the dyes into other areas.
As per history, it originated in Indonesia and trickled down to other parts of the globe areas including India, Japan, Mexico and Argentina; where every region’s Ikat has its own distinct set of characteristics, cultural motifs and symbols even though Ikat was almost always associated with status and wealth due to its complicated and difficult technique.
In India, have Ikat in Gujarat as Patan Patola which is one of the rarest forms of double Ikat, Pochampally in South India’s Telangana and Sambalpuri Ikat in Orissa.
Today we refer to Ikat in general to describe not only the actual technique but also any pattern that resembles the Ikat woven technique.
Due to the care and attention to detail required by the process, each ikat print is truly one of a kind, as we know now, that it is a fusion of contrasting yet complementary colours in geometric shapes and patterns. The result of which are fun, trendy ikat materials that we convert into a wide variety of fashionable ikat bags.
Ikat fabric has always been popular and in high demand for its distinct style and unmatched beauty. This textile craft has stood the test of time and various fashion trends hence now, we at Hamelin use it to adorn our handcrafted bags. Do check them out for your next festive look or casual outing.
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Here are a few interesting facts we should know about this totally Eco friendly fabric. Jute absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at a much higher rate than other plants and trees. Hence becoming so beneficial for all animals! It doesn't need any pesticides or fertilisers once cultivated and in fact enhances the soil fertility for the future crops. It is not only strong, breathable, cost-effective and versatile but also anti static and recyclable. You can never go wrong opting for jute with so many impressive qualities.
Jute mostly poses as a rustic, worn out gunny sack, but we are here to completely change your perspective about jute, giving it a contemporary touch and an all new look. Our new launch, the jute planter wraps will leave you stress free buying for your baby plants.
The wrap is double sided & reversible, one with patterned canvas and the other side being burlap, to fulfil all your moods and be a statement in every space. We stick to the UN environment goodwill ambassador, Dia Mirza's philosophy as she quotes, "We only have this decade to fix what we have done wrong". There is no step too big or small and you can do your bit by starting with our cute little Eco friendly planters.
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Often while travelling, we get an opportunity to witness amazing animals from various cultures. However, this opportunity comes with an obligation to respect the natural setting of the animal, the environment and the local community. We usually accept culture and entertainment as an excuse for animal cruelty. Here are top three activities we need to put an end to:
RIDING AN ELEPHANT
Be it the forts of Jaipur, the forests of Thailand or temples of Bali, riding an elephant is one of the most common tourist activity involving animals in South East Asia. Tourists are often blissfully ignorant of the ordeal faced by the animal and often believe that the animals enjoy the trails. However, this is far from reality. Most elephants are separated from their families at a very young age and violently forced to obey the orders of the handlers, usually called the Mahouts.
The elephant also revered as God Ganesha in India, is subject to constant distress, malnourishment and dehydration to satisfy the greedy community. Mahouts even pierce some animals' sensitive ears and drilled holes into their tusks, maiming them for life. Its time to end the not-so-joyful rides on elephants.
PETA had recently held a campaign to end elephant rides in India. Please click here to read more.
ANIMAL CIRCUS
Thankfully a lot of cities around the world are banning the once famous circuses with performing animals. Tigers, lions, monkeys and elephants do not perform the tricks and entertain audiences because they enjoy doing so. They are forced to perform the tricks by circus trainers who abuse them with muzzles, tight collars, electric prods and other cruel tools of the circus business. Training sessions are rarely recorded, which is why circuses get away with these evil practices.
Circuses constantly travel around the year, in all weathers and the animals are kept in the confines of their trucks, trailers or cages. Not only are circuses cruel, but they can also prove extremely dangerous for the public. There have been several instances of animals snapping and running for their freedom, inturn endangering the public and damaging property. So the next time, you are about the visit an animal performance, ask yourself if it is worth amusing yourself at the cost of the animals basic right to life and freedom.
TAKE A TIGER SELFIE
No visit to Thailand is usually complete without a selfie with the tigers at the Tiger temple. However, the plight of the tigers is usually hidden from the enthusiastic tourists. Tigers are usually confined in small concrete cells for 20 hours a day with no stimulation. The time that they are out of the cell, they are chained and forced to lay still for the sake of the tourists’ selfies. There also have been reports of drugging the tigers to make them docile and amore amicable selfie beings. The beautiful wild beasts are punched and pushed around by their handlers to get into more appealing positions for the photographers. Take a selfie with the beautiful trees and rivers instead, just leave the tiger alone.
Please click here to read further
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Vegan leather is NOT made of animal skin. It is a man-made substitute to animal leather, made of polyurethane. It comes in a variety of colors and textures, and is as durable as animal leather. Not only does vegan leather make you look good, it also makes you feel good because it’s totally cruelty-free.
More than a billion buffaloes, cows, goats, sheep, pigs, ostriches and even crocodiles are cruelly slaughtered for their skins every year. Many of these animals have their horns and tails cut off without painkillers, and some are even skinned and cut apart while still conscious.
At HAMELIN, we strive to create a cruelty-free environment and have pledged to never use animal leather in any of our products. Do check out our vegan leather range by clicking here.
Have you ever felt that the crazy slaughter needs to stop? Cant we make the world a better place, one bag at a time? Let us know your thoughts!
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