Book On Kau-dhi

Kaptivated By Kau-dhi Copyright

A Book on Native Blankets from North Karnataka

                                                                      This book is my journey into the study of ‘The Kau-dhi’ .

A ‘Kau-dhi’ blanket is a traditional, hand-stitched quilt from Northern Karnataka, also called ‘Kalyan Karnataka’ India. The word "Kaudi" (Spelling as per appearance on search engine) can also mean fabric made with old clothes or rags. Using simple tools like needle and thread, old scraps of fabric are stitched together to construct a ‘Kau-dhi’. These quilts are mainly made using a patchwork / quilt-as-you-go technique, where pieces of fabric are sewn together to create a larger textile unit. These fabrics often come from old saris, dhotis, Panchaas, dupattas, langa davani etc, showcasing an upcycling approach to using existing textiles at home.

Till 2011 I was an ordinary lady doing what one does in day-to-day life. The art of quilt making has turned my life around, now I feel connected to sewing quilts and quilters who make them. Especially after discovering the Kau-dhi I went deeper and deeper to explore its mysteries. I felt like an explorer trying to decode a language which is Kau-dhi. The different layouts of Kau-dhi’s, different motifs that are appliqued on them, different stitches and symbols that Kau-dhi makers stitch with the white thread is mind boggling. The use of old textiles at home serves to preserve generations of memories in a Kau-dhi. The warmth and affection of the women who make them, their welcoming nature and eagerness to share their traditional knowledge was commendable. The various rules of Kau-dhi making which shows that it was not a simple quilt making method but a branch of studies that had meaning while sewing it. There are so many more points that I can write about this topic. There is No English book that has been published on the topic of Kau-dhi.

It is my way of Paying tribute to this great art.

I am not a polished writer, I have written articles in many magazines and newspapers. This is my 1st attempt to write a book, the focus is on my findings not my writing skills.

I intend to publish this a coffee Table book, I assure you that it will be One Of A Kind.