Contemporary hand-worked creations from Sutra

I grew up in cotton. I partied in lycra. I fell for linen. And, sigh, I’m still looking for that perfect blend that personifies who I really am. Unique.

Along comes Julie Kagti who says I can weave my own stole if I want to. In her studio, of course. And being the innovative spirit she is, she’s going to teach us all the intricate secrets behind her gorgeous saris and stoles. She’s organising an event that promises to be a dream come true for fabric freaks like me. A show that’ll answer a few of the questions I’ve always asked my wardrobe: What’s a warp? Where’s the weft? Who does kantha? Is Shibori a person?

The show will have an interactive walk-through. There’ll also be an opp for us enthu-butterflies to try our hand at weaving (yay!). A visual slideshow for the lazy ones will be present as well. The fabric gallery featuring Shibori sounds interesting to me (it’s a Japanese tie-dye form, and appeals to the Boho spirit in me).

The best part is Julie’s line. Saris, accessories (like bags), apparel and home furnishings, to be specific. A completely handcrafted range where the fabrics used are all organic — cotton, linen and a varied range of silks. Colours are inspired by natural elements with that dew-fresh look. She even has a recycled fabric collection in patchwork saris and clothing, highly textured handworked fabrics, knits with kantha work, stylised construction and intricate detailing. Siiigh, I so have found my soul-mate.
Wardrobe-makeover time, said I to myself.

Sutra Show. October 4, 2008, from 11am to 5.30pm at Ista, 1/1 Swami Vivekananda Road, Ulsoor, Bangalore 8. Contact Julie Kagti: 9886065891/sutrablr@vsnl.net, or Michelle: 9886601833/ michelles@istabangalore.com. To buy, contact Sutra, 2nd floor, 44/57 Fayaz Complex, 5th Cross, Siddiah Road, Bangalore 27. Tel: 22484986. Website: http://knotsoncloth.com. Apparel starts at Rs 650, saris at Rs 1400.