Since discovering Kutch, vintage quilts have become a constant in my life all year round.
They have simply so many different uses!
Right now, it's the middle of summer in Bhuj, and with the tempreture sitting on 42-43 degrees everyday, keeping ones house cool is of primary concern.
I rise early and the mornings are divine, but by 7.30 the sun is hot, and streams thru my front windows. So this time of year, my quilt collection is hanging! They cover all my windows during the day, and are so effective at reducing the heat, I need to only use my air conditioner occasionally and certainly not all day long!
During winter, I used the same quilts on the bed and also covering over my old sofa and as throws and knee rugs. They are so visually pleasing, and such an easy way to vary my decor from day to day.
All the different communities in Kutch make quilts! Every village home has a big pile of them and they are a favourite wedding gift amongst other handmade items for newly weds. Quilts are usually made by older women, those eyesight is not what it once was, and can no longer make the beautiful embroideries they made in their youth.
The quilts are filled with cotton after the outer design has been completed, and the 'sandwich' of filling and cloth finally all held together with small running stitches. These quilts are not light weight like the famous Rajhasthani 'Kantha' quilts....they are much more robust and last for generations!
My favourites? I love the quilts of the Meghwal community from the Bani area in the northern villages of Kutch. They use reverse patchwork to make very colourful quilts, and the designs are bold!
I love the way they change over time too. A recently made or rarely used quilt will be brighter than one thats been washed and hung in the sun to dry many times....over time these become more muted in colour, and are perfect for 'shabby' beachouse decor.
I am lucky to have such a wide range of different vintage patchwork quilts to chose from....But if you'd like a beautiful quilt of your own, direct from a Kutchi village, please contact me! The handicrafts of Kutch are my specialist area, and shopping to order easily done. I can give you all the details you need, plus heaps of photos. You'll get the perfect quilt to suit your home, that can be enjoyed in so many different ways!
They have simply so many different uses!
Right now, it's the middle of summer in Bhuj, and with the tempreture sitting on 42-43 degrees everyday, keeping ones house cool is of primary concern.
I rise early and the mornings are divine, but by 7.30 the sun is hot, and streams thru my front windows. So this time of year, my quilt collection is hanging! They cover all my windows during the day, and are so effective at reducing the heat, I need to only use my air conditioner occasionally and certainly not all day long!
During winter, I used the same quilts on the bed and also covering over my old sofa and as throws and knee rugs. They are so visually pleasing, and such an easy way to vary my decor from day to day.
All the different communities in Kutch make quilts! Every village home has a big pile of them and they are a favourite wedding gift amongst other handmade items for newly weds. Quilts are usually made by older women, those eyesight is not what it once was, and can no longer make the beautiful embroideries they made in their youth.
The quilts are filled with cotton after the outer design has been completed, and the 'sandwich' of filling and cloth finally all held together with small running stitches. These quilts are not light weight like the famous Rajhasthani 'Kantha' quilts....they are much more robust and last for generations!
My favourites? I love the quilts of the Meghwal community from the Bani area in the northern villages of Kutch. They use reverse patchwork to make very colourful quilts, and the designs are bold!
I love the way they change over time too. A recently made or rarely used quilt will be brighter than one thats been washed and hung in the sun to dry many times....over time these become more muted in colour, and are perfect for 'shabby' beachouse decor.
I am lucky to have such a wide range of different vintage patchwork quilts to chose from....But if you'd like a beautiful quilt of your own, direct from a Kutchi village, please contact me! The handicrafts of Kutch are my specialist area, and shopping to order easily done. I can give you all the details you need, plus heaps of photos. You'll get the perfect quilt to suit your home, that can be enjoyed in so many different ways!