#historyofcotton

[insattva]

100% Cotton – From India With Love

“Dear Grandchild, stop hanging onto my top and let your Granny finish these lovely pickles before the sun reaches its peak. Come help me out here, please!”  

   Oh! How much I loved the feel of my grandmother’s mulmul (Fine Muslin Cotton) long kurta top during those hot summer days on our patio deck back in India! I yearned to hold onto her beautiful top. I loved my Granny dearly and the way she carried her clothing. The softness and lightness of the cloth has stayed with me all these years, even as I made my way out to sunny California! That Muslin cotton feel on my body, that softness of natural fabrics... its what I look for while shopping for my everyday merchandise, no matter where its from. 

   My humbleness says that I am not the only one who prefers cotton! The entire Indian sub-continent is a big fan of cotton woven materials. As a matter of fact, cotton has played a big role in India’s independence from British rule. 

   The earliest evidence of cotton and the technique of weaving it on the Indian sub-continent dates back to 5000 BC, in Mehrgarh, Pakistan. Hindu hymns from 1500 BC have also spoken about cotton. Cotton has been used in the form of clothing since prehistoric times by people from India, Egypt and China. In fact, even Alexander the Great couldn’t resist the comfort of cotton when he reached India. 

   Dyeing and printing of cotton fabrics is an ancient Indian art. From Gujarat’s bandhani (tie-dye) to Andhra’s kalamkari (hand/block-printed), the Indian artisans have perfected various techniques of dyeing and hand-printing decorative patterns on cotton using natural organic vegetable colors.

   India’s relationship with cotton turned into a philosophy during India’s freedom movement by Mahatma Gandhi, who popularized the use of ‘Khadi’, a handwoven fabric usually made from cotton. This event is symbolized with a Charkha (spinning wheel) by M. Gandhi’s side. I could go on about the history of cotton, but that is not the point of this blog of mine!

   My love story with cotton, the softest, the lightest and the most organic material on the planet, started from those days with my Grandma time and has lasted until now! Cotton is also one of the most “vegan-friendly” materials! It helps you stay cool in summer because of its light and airy nature. It is very efficient in absorbing our sweat and keeps us odor-free even in the hot sun. It is also the least hypo allergic material, especially for those who have sensitive skin.

   We, at In-Sattva, are obsessed with cotton tunics and tops. Be it for men or women, short or tall, skinny or curvy, cotton looks good on all!

                                In-Sattva’s Tie-Dye Printed Cotton Kurta Tunic

                                     In-Sattva’s Zig-Zag Print Cotton Kurta Tunic

                                Pure Cotton Shirt with Indian Leaf Print

   Hope you enjoy wearing one of our cotton-filled beautiful pieces as much as I do! Stay tuned on this blog section as I take you on a journey about my discoveries and through a snapshot of history about different ancient dyeing and weaving techniques.

   Till next time, stay hydrated, and choose cotton outfits! Always. 

   (Preferably ours!)

                                                                                                      - Karishma P.

[quatrus]

A piece of cotton lace from Pueblo Native people, from before the Europeans arrived. #cotton #pueblo #cottonlace #historyofcotton #nativeamericans

[photographybylulu]

Cotton Pickin’ . . . . . #cottonpickin #floydfarm #pembrokega #snapseed #cottonfield #cottonbag #burlapbag #gacotton #snapseedapp #historyofcotton http://ift.tt/2iY1NZv