Our latest launch, the Zyaada Collection took about 8 months to create, from design inspiration to launch. We’ll be honest: that was longer than we hoped or expected. But we’ve learned a lot! Each time we do this we wonder when we’ll finally figure it all out, haha. I suppose the learning never ends. And that’s okay.
So, how did the Zyaada Collection come to life? Great question, I would love to tell you!
It all starts with India, of course. The place we live and where we get all our inspiration. One of the reasons the founders wanted to live here was because they wanted to share their experiences with their audience. To draw you in to the culture, the story, the life of this place. To give those pillow covers and napkins a story. They’re not just pretty textiles. And not even just sustainably and naturally made. They are textiles that tell a story. That was the dream. So of course we have to tell the story of our textiles!
So, like our Community Collection, the Zyaada Collection is all about bringing experience to life. The experience of more. What we are baffled and inspired by every day. Check out this post to learn all about Analise’s inner musings as she was drawn to design the prints you see in the collection.
From this inspiration to lots of rough drafts, to marketing meetings and more rough drafts, to final design picks and last touch ups, the designs you see today made it to the block maker! From there, Mr. Laxmi Lal took over the scene at his studio where his master printers skillfully printed the designs in two forms: dabu (read about it here) and block printing.
If you’ve read up on the dabu method of printing, you’ll know that indigo is the perfect (and most common) dye for the occasion. Hence our prints in the classic DABU blue.
The Emerge print coming to life.
Along with the classic DABU blue, we were excited to introduce a new colorway this collection with our harad (a type of flower) prints, using ink made from tamarind and iron to block print rather than a mud resist.
When the fabric arrived, the studio was alive with activity! Tablecloths and napkins were the first to make an appearance with our friend Jyoti handling the pillow covers in her own shop.
The aprons came a bit later as we made sample after sample, testing and trying until we had the perfect fit. It’s a good thing we have a lot of willing apron models.
Our fabric, fresh from the fields post drying from Mr. Laxmi Lal.
This collection brought with it another set of learning experiences which called for patience, flexibility and creativity. We’re proud of the lessons learned and look forward to the next collection being maybe just a bit more straightforward. Or at least our expectations will be more accurate.
Bye for now!
Sarah
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