Kashmiri dress material is a traditional garment worn by Muslims and pandits to protect themselves against harsh winters in Kashmir.
This garment is constructed of wool or jammer (a mixture of cotton and wool) without side slits and decorated with various stitches such as fly stitch, couching stitch, or herringbone stitch for embellishment.
Kasida
Kashida embroidery is an iconic form of Kashmiri dress materials and is often done using thick colored threads that feature designs inspired by nature. Kashida embroidery has long been one of Kashmir’s premier cottage industries and can be seen decorating shawls, shirts, dresses, shoes, accessories, and other clothing items – it makes an excellent addition to weddings and festivals where Kashida can add an eye-catching accent. However, for maximum impact when worn to special events, it must complement the colors in which it will be worn. Otherwise, the result may look unappealing and clashing.
Kashmir embroidery has long been an integral part of Kashmiri culture and society, having developed under royal courts’ patronage and taken its distinct form over time. Embroidery in Kashmir did not originate solely for trousseau or functional purposes – it also served to carry forward folk traditions, as evidenced by most embroiderers being men! Influenced by Persian culture, Kashidakari became its distinct style, combining different embroidery techniques such as zardozi, crewel work, sozni, and rezkari techniques into one unique style which was created over time under Persian influence and took shape over time with special techniques, including zardozi, crewel work sozni and Rezkari among others.
Embroidery with the Zardozi technique uses a chain stitch, using an aari hook to fill motifs with stitches arranged in concentric rings of chain stitch. It is commonly found in garments like shawls and leather goods.
Sozni embroidery or Doria work is another embroidery technique using threads of silk or wool to form intricate motifs on fabric shawls, often reflecting its surroundings such as birds, lily pads, lotuses, and saffron flowers as well as fruits such as plums, almonds, and cherries. This process is commonly known as Doria’s work.
Rezkari (tilla) embroidery utilizes silk or cotton thread and can be found on garments such as phirans, woolen kurtas, and namdahs. This highly detailed work involves the use of stitch types such as fly stitch, stem stitch, and darning stitch – producing stunning results when used for garment decoration.
Papier Mache
Papier mache is an ancient craft that utilizes paper pulp and various other materials to craft decorative objects. This technique can be used for masks and costumes as well as set designs; recycling old newspapers is another benefit. While easy and cheap to make, drying times can take quite some time, which makes using it on projects with tight deadlines, such as school plays, challenging; adding salt can speed up this process considerably.
Paper mache is typically constructed by adhering multiple layers of paper or cloth together using some adhesive paste, usually water, starch, wallpaper paste, or glue. Traditionally, pieces were created from recycled paper strips layered over pieces made with wallpaper paste; now, some artists prefer modern plastics and composite materials instead – though papier-mache remains popular among crafters as well as certain kinds of items like pinatas and carnival floats.
Papier Mache craft can be time-consuming, yet it creates stunning works of art. Kashmir craftsmen are well known for their beautiful papier Mache work; in particular, they excel in this craft’s delicate detailing of flowers, animals, and Kashmiri symbols like chinar leaves or five-pointed leaves.
Artisans from other Indian states also specialize in this craft, adding their own cultural and traditional touches to each workpiece they produce. Artisans from Ujjain are incredibly skilled at creating very realistic bird figures, while those in Tamil Nadu specialize in doll making.
To create papier mache, the paper must first be submerged in water until its fibers start dissolving, either overnight or by boiling until all paper has disintegrated. After draining off excess moisture and adding an adhesive for bonding purposes, papier mache can then be applied directly onto molds or, for smaller or simpler objects, it can even be sculpted now.
Embroidery
Embroidery is a form of needlework that uses thread or yarn to form images and patterns on fabric surfaces such as linen, cotton, wool, silk or felt. The technique can be completed either manually with needles or using embroidery machines.
Threads that can be used for embroidery include cotton floss, pearl cotton and tapestry wool. Cotton floss has six individual strands that can be separated to be used individually, while pearl cotton features a thick, durable thread with an intense sheen.
Embroidery can be an enjoyable way to add a personal touch to a garment. There are various methods you can use – either sewing a stitch pattern onto fabric and then embroidering over it or applying your pattern using heat transfer – both can work perfectly well as long as they follow instructions carefully so as not to damage either the pattern or fabric.
Shawls
Shawls are traditional garments worn as wraps around the neck, shoulders, and upper body to provide warmth or style to an ensemble. Made of different fabrics such as silk, cotton, or wool, they are sometimes even decorated with intricate designs embroidered onto them. Women and men from many cultures around the globe have long worn shawls.
Shawls come in various styles and colors. Some can be lightweight enough to drape gracefully around your shoulders, while others cover your entire head; each variety offers something different and offers its unique flair.
Shawls are more than just stylish accessories; they can also serve as blankets or light capes. Wear one over dresses, blouses, and skirts; the fabric tends to be warm, while its intricate embroidery creates stunning designs. Some shawls even boast luxurious gold threading, which adds an elegant element.
Shawls are typically made of natural fibers like wool or silk that offer insulation against cold temperatures. When selecting your shawl, consider your climate where it will be worn as well as wear-and-tear; for instance, if living in a warmer climate with high heat levels, it might be beneficial to opt for lightweight, silky fabrics with a soft feel like cashmere shawls for everyday wear and use.
A shawl is a long piece of fabric worn loosely over the shoulders and upper body and typically measures at least 70 inches long. It may be rectangular, square, or triangular and often made from luxurious cashmere or pashmina material; its intricate embroidery makes it a popular fashion accessory across cultures. Kashmir region in India, in particular, is well known for producing its iconic shawls.
Shawls are handwoven on an ancient loom known as the Raksha and decorated with sinuous floral patterns and creeper motifs to form this centuries-old art form, still practiced today by weavers from all over the world. Since the 19th century, Paisley shawls (imitating Kashmiri shawls made on jacquard machines in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland) became highly fashionable accessories across Europe until 1870, when production stopped due to machine failures.
