Our weaving system is as ancient as our culture. In my childhood, there was a saying that a stroll through our city’s by lanes was accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of music from the handlooms, and this music of the loom would soothe the mind. Today, these sounds may be waning, but they are very much alive. This is the Jacquard weaving system. The first step is sketching the design. We then take the graph of the design to the card punchers. Each perforation punched into the card is part of the design. This is the warp. As each card moves forward, it raises threads of this warp according to the design. We then pass the yarn of the weft, perpendicular to the warp, creating the fabric and also composing the design. Even when we weave 8 hours of a day, we are able to complete just six inches of a Banarasi work. Such work requires great industry and immense skill. From a visual, a concept, to the finished garment that sits on a hanger, there are many people, many hands that have to come together. There are a few of us, who are strengthening the weaving community and protecting this art. When an experienced weaver brings us a sari sample, we look at how intricately he has woven the motifs, at how neatly finished the back of the sari is. The uniformity with which each weft thread (pick) has been brought up against the wrap. An even flow of colour throughout the fabric. This is how we recognise a well crafted handloom sari. visit www.swadesihathkargha.com for buying of authenticate handloom sarees
