It has been a year now since we launched the first textile in our Made for Babes Collection: The Bandhani Baby Blanket. The response was delightful. What we had dreamed of back at the beginning of DABU was taking form. Our commitment to herbal and mineral dyes, natural fibers and a chemical free process is certainly good for all of us and the earth. So, we created pieces that were gently and thoughtfully handcrafted specifically for the littlest humans in our lives.
Thanks to all the love the Bandhani Baby Blanket received, Analise dreamed up a new design, using the same tie and dye method. Our Leheriya Baby Blankets are made with all the same goodness but offer a new look. One reminds us of a daisy chain, the other of waves on the seashore.
Like all our textiles, the Leheriya Baby Blanket went through a process to become what it is. So how was it made? Great question, I would love to tell you!
The original, or perhaps most common method of creating this look is by folding the square of fabric in half diagonally and then rolling it in on itself from the top corner of the triangle. Once rolled together, the fabric is tied in two inch increments, dyed and walaa! the famous and popular Rajasthani leheriya print is created!
Naturally, this was the first method Analise implemented at the studio. As you can see in the photo below, this typical leheriya dying method didn’t work with our 100% handwoven, sturdy cotton fabric. While the lines were straight and defined, the dye had trouble penetrating to the inner layers of the rolled fabric, giving it this faded look. Not exactly what we had in mind.
Straight lines, incomplete dye
Ok, take two.
Another common method is to fold the fabric in short layers before tying. Analise problem solved and in this case, second time was the charm! After the diagonal fold, rather than rolling the fabric she had the ladies do an accordion fold (kind of like our napkin folding tutorial), much like making fans from construction paper as a kid (anyone else?). Once folded, the fabric was tied in 4 inch increments along the entire length. With this method, the lines were not as straight or defined but the dye held well to the whole piece.
Varsha folding accordion style from the outside corner
To tie the fabric, the string was first soaked in water to make it stronger, and then wrapped around the fabric until the desired line width is reached. In this case somewhere between a quarter to a half inch. Sometimes, using the traditional method, the ladies would first wrap one end of the string around their big toe to create tension while wrapping and tying.
After tying, each section is scrunched a bit to loosen the fabric for optimal dying. The dying process and colors are the same as with our Bhandani Blankets so hop on over here to get the full scoop on the dyes, colors and process. With the new tying method, these blankets had to soak a bit longer for the dye to properly reach the many folded layers of fabric (think 1-2 hours versus 30 minutes).
After dying, they are left to dry overnight and the next day is the big reveal.
Untying
Washing
Opened and washed out, these lines are bringing soft, beachy wave vibes! And all that string? Not to worry! Rekha happily took the string home to be used in making “mala’s,” the marigold leis made in her family’s business. Right in line with our commitment to zero waste.
The process was exciting. It was a learning experience. And it was fun. Kind of like having a baby (ok, who are we kidding; but you get the point). It’s exciting. It’s a learning experience. And boy is it fun! We hope you and your babes enjoy these blankets as much as we enjoyed making them.
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