Even More Indian fabrics

I’m sorry. I really just couldn’t help it…even though I have 0 chance of ever wearing such fanciful garments. I blame it on depressing world events.

From Indiwear.com

From Rachelboutique.com

For most of these I think I will make the Indian blouse as intended, but adapt the skirt & shawl to more wearable western style garments. It seems such a shame not to make them up as designed, but ultimately Function trumps Form for me.

And to store my ever expanding Asian lovelies I ended up making a dozen storage bags. I was going to buy readymade saree/lehenga storage bags. But most are made with clear plastic, and various online articles advise storing these away from light. So I pressed some unloved non-woven interfacing & horticultural fleece from the Stash into service.

Nakkashi 4053 Half & Half Saree
unstitched choli blouse + seamed saree (skirt-shawl) + under-skirt fabric

available at Indiwear.com

These “Half & Half Sarees” are skirt & shawl fabrics joined together to create a 2-colour saree. They’re worn like sarees & are different from “Half Sarees” which seems like another name for lehenga outfit with separate skirt & shawl.

I’m thinkning of keeping this one as designed. The presumably polyester chiffon skirt-shawl without stiff interfacing makes it more casual & wearable. 

Nakkashi 4068 Half & Half Saree
unstitched choli blouse + seamed saree (skirt-shawl)

available at Indiwear.com

Another 2-fabric saree. I think I will separate the fabrics & just use as fancy fabrics for western designs.

Nakkashi 5063 Lehenga Choli
unstitched choli blouse + part-stitched lehenga skirt + finished dupatta shawl

available at Indiwear.com

First of 3 lehenga skirt outfits, these will be harder to adapt as the skirts are panelled & partly sewn. The skirt hems all have stiff interfacing making them impractical for normal wear. But at least the fabrics are neutral enough to work in western style garments. 

Nakkashi 5061 Lehenga Choli
unstitched choli blouse + part-stitched lehenga skirt + finished dupatta shawl

The colour of this one is least like in the designer photos. But it’s still my favourite of the bunch because the emellishment can also pass for fancy European embroidery.

Nakkashi 5068 Lehenga Choli
unstitched choli blouse + part-stitched lehenga skirt + finished dupatta shawl

Like the pink one above I chose this one because the fabrics are neutral enough to work in western style & the combination of fabric & trims work well together (rather than look randomly thrown together like in some other designs).

I better stop buying more of these fancy Indian outfits until I figure out what to do with these…AND sew some up! DH is threatening to get me on one of those Hoarder TV programmes! 

10 comments on “Even More Indian fabrics

  1. Aarti says:

    I love the way you write your blog. Thank you for the unboxed images of Nakkashi 4068. I eventually bought it from indiwear link that you have provided. The guys there were gracious enough to share actual picture of the products before I placed the order.

  2. Sara says:

    Pia,

    Love your posts! Would you be willing to sell Nakkashi 5061? If you still have the material unstitched/sewn? Please let me know! Thank you!

    • Hi Sara, Sorry, I love this design so want to keep it. But when I Google “Nakkashi 5061” there are still shops that sells it. So try that if you want one too. Good luck.

      • Sara says:

        Dear Pia,

        Thank you for your reply! I have been in contact with 5 online shops and unfortunately although their websites all say ‘In-stock’ the item (Nakkashi 5061) is actually Out of Stock , confirmed even by the designer. I was hoping to wear to my friend’s wedding and am heartbroken – especially since my love bought me jewelry to match it perfectly (after the first store confirmed the order and delivery and before replying 2 days later stating it was out of stock and not possible). I too was a bit shocked that the color was so different from the designer’s photos. I could pay you via PayPal – please consider my offer and what price you would be willing to part with it… sincerest gratitude for the consideration!

  3. karinova says:

    Thank you so much for these Indian fabric posts! I’ve long fantasized about ordering some, but I hesitate because it’s really hard to figure out exactly what you’d get– the sellers tend to provide so little detail. General quality, fiber content, fabric type, hem treatment, etc, etc are a mystery. Pics are minimal, low-res, and as noted, often for-concept-only (as opposed to pics of the actual item for sale). They don’t tell you how partially stitched items are seamed/assembled. For sarees, many sellers don’t even list the width and length of the fabrics. In short: what. is in. the box?? It’s maddening!

    So I can’t tell you how much I appreciate these detailed “unboxing” pics. So, so helpful. Thank you!!

    • A says:

      A sari is a standard 6 yards. Only some traditional saris are 9 yards, but you won’t find those easily online.

  4. These clothes are so beautiful and elegant. 50 years ago I could have worn them, but that dream is long gone. In such beautiful clothes, no wonder the women of India are all so beautiful.

  5. Cherie says:

    These fabrics are so beautiful, I guess I need to find an Indian wedding to go to!

  6. Very interesting post. I especially love the little blouses and think they would look great with trousers or a long skirt. Of course they need very close fitting and I guess this is why the tailor must make them up for a specific figure. Overall the impact is generally too much but I think split up in various ways these are amazing resources. So looking forward to seeing what your creative mind and terrific skills result in.

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