DABU - THE BEAUTY OF HANDICRAFTS

Dabu – one of the ancient techniques of Printing of India. Along with many other traditional techniques, Dabu printing almost died out in the era before Indian Independence. Interest in this craft was revived along with the renewed interest in ethnic textiles in the 21st century.

How Dabu Traditional Printing takes place—

The process starts with washing— fabric received from mills is washed to remove impurities in the fabric.

• The next and crucial step involves the use of the mud resist which makes this print so unique. Ingredients like mud, gum, lime and waste wheat chaff are combined to make the ‘dabu’ or mud resist paste which is then patted over certain parts of the design.  
• The paste is dried with sprinkled sawdust. This covering essentially protects these parts of the fabric from the dye used later on, creating a unique and colorful effect.
  
  After this process of printing, the fabric is spread out in the sun where it completely dries out. It is then dipped into a vat of dye, dried again and finally given a thorough washing to remove the paste and any excess dye.
• The dyes used are typically natural vegetable dyes and pastes. Thus the unprotected parts of the fabric catch the color while the dabu covered bits remain plain. The fabric may be dyed more than once in different colors to give each part of the design a different hue.

Designing of Dabu Printed Fabric.—

Majorly the prints are used in cotton garments. Beautiful & amazing quality products are manufactured in this prints like kurtis, dresses, jackets, suit material etc. It is also used in men’s wear too like ethnic kurtas for men.

Shree is giving new orientation to this craft,  yet the essence of the craft is carried forward, untampered, by the motifs and hues

A very beautiful & mesmerizing Dabu collection is presented by Shree – The Indian Avatar @ their event Souk. The collection was a beautiful combination of indigo blues and manifesting act of the playful color story represents the crafts passed on from one generation to another unaffected of the ravages of time. The collection had Dabu printed Skirts, kurtis, dresses, jackets etc. the collection has Indian wear with a touch of modernity & is a beautiful amalgamation of Indian & western wear. This amazing collection is available @ all Shree retails outlets & online too.

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