I decided to take a break from working on my next one-person exhibition and make a random art quilt. I pieced some of my old quilting fabric favorites into multiple triangle- pieced sections. For contrast, I added triangle sections from light colored men’s shirts. To stitch in the spirit of Indian technique of Kantha and/or the Japanese technique of Sashiko, both of which I admire, I quilted more than 400 meters of dmc pearl cotton onto a backing of leftover pieces of kantha quilts purchased from ETSY.
I love many things about the quilt, one of which is my stitching over someone’s from India. in the process, I understood the relationship. Tomorrow, Steve and I leave for a two week tour of Handweaving in India. Stay tuned to follow our travels!
Hi Ms. Louise,
Good evening, let me introduce myself. I am K.C.Shakdwipee, worked over 39 years in Indian handloom textiles sector, held positions as Joint Development commissioner (handlooms), General manager, chief marketing manager Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
2. I am currently in pittsburgh till 20th May in connection with my daughters commencement ceremony at CMU.
3. I was impressed by your dedication in the area of patchwork quilt and saw the ongoing exhibition at history centre.
4. India too has a good history in patchwork – Kantha in West Bengal ( meaning story telling in native language).
5. It will be interesting to meet you at your convenience to see your studio.
Let me know if its okay with you and advise suitable time.
Regards
K.C.Shakdwipee
K C and his daughter came to the loft with the idea that I might be someone whose story could inspire the artisans he represents. He invited us to India to meet them. Steve and I liked his idea and agreed we would try to arrange a trip to India, maybe in the fall.
When K C returned to India, he invited us to come in August for National Handloom Day.
“Regarding our discussion to plan a visit to India, one important event by our Handloom Department, Ministry of Textiles is on 7th August 2025- National handloom day. It will be presided by Honourable President of India, with senior leaders, Bureaucrats, renowned designers, leading exporters, National level handloom Award winners among others will be in attendance. You can plan a visit during that time if possible, I will arrange all the passes for the events for you.”
K.C.Shakdwipee
BubbeWisdom 