Fabrics

One of the most popular trends in interior design today is Ikat.  Ikat is an ancient style of weaving which uses a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye where the warp and/or the weft yarns are dyed before the fabric is woven on the loom.  This technique of weaving requires a great deal of precision in the tying and dying process in order to achieve the desired patterns which are very intricately designed.

Although it is very difficult to determine where this technique originated, we do know that Ikat is a universal weaving style common to many cultures.  It is thought that the process developed in several different areas simultaneously.  

India, Japan, and Thailand as well as South American countries and Mexico all have weaving cultures with long histories of Ikat.  “Ikat” is an Indonesian language word which can mean the actual thread or knot as well as the finished fabric.  It can also be a verb meaning “to tie” or “to bind.”

The ancient design motifs found in Ikat had ethnic, ritual, or symbolic meanings, and they often denoted status, wealth, and prestige.  The cotton and silk threads were dyed with natural dyes in lively and engaging motifs depicting village life and beliefs of the people.  

Modern day versions are brightly colored with good quality chemical or natural dyes.  Due to the slight bleeding of the dyes into the resist areas, these motifs may often appear to be blurred or cloudy.

Modern Ikat fabric is great for upholstery, drapes, and accessories such as bedding, pillows, and table runners.  Beautiful and durable, high quality Ikat can last many years and will never appear dated.  Bold and contemporary looking with urban color palettes that may be bright or more subdued, these dramatic patterns are wonderful in many settings.

Picture Credits –

1. Crate and Barrel – Ocean Ikat print by Chriklia Zarris, artist and textile designer
2. Etsy Find
   
3. Dwell Studio

Nowadays, there is a huge variety of weatherproof upholstery fabrics in a wide range of colors and textures. Whether you are purchasing new furniture for your porch or patio or just want to freshen up your existing furniture, you won’t have to look too far to find fabulous fabrics suitable for the outdoors. Fabrics that are fade and mildew resistant clean easily with mild soap and water, and look absolutely gorgeous.

At one time outdoor fabrics were boring and often felt as stiff as a board, but with advancing technology, they have been engineered to feel as soft as cotton, and they come in a variety of weaves such as chenilles, jacquards, twills, damasks, and even sheers! These wonderful new outdoor fabrics are perfect to use for pillows and cushions and even drapery panels.

Sunbrella brand fabrics are probably the most widely known outdoor fabrics. In 1961, they started out manufacturing industrial-grade awning fabric in only six colors! They certainly have come a long way since then. With advancements in technology, the color pigments in Sunbrella fibers are added during production and penetrate all the way to the core rather than just being added to the surface as in ordinary fabrics. This process will ensure years of vibrant color and durability.

Because they are so beautiful and durable, many people are opting to use these fabrics indoors as well – they are often perfect in kitchens, family rooms, or other areas that get a lot of heavy use. In 2003, the famous English designer, Elaine Smith, created the world’s first luxury outdoor pillows that, with their embellishments like fringe and embroidery, truly look like they are made for indoor use.

Quality outdoor furniture manufacturers such as Lane Venture or Summer Classics have quite a selection of wonderful fabrics from which to choose and many designer showrooms or fabric stores carry a large line of outdoor fabrics. So, now it is easy to stop worrying about your fabric and enjoy carefree living!

Photo Credits – Calico Corners

Photos: BHG

It seems that just about everywhere we look Suzanis are popping up.  The term Suzani means “needlework”, specifically, exquisite embroideries from Uzbekistan in Central Asia.  These genuine folk art textiles which are intricate, colorful and beautiful were originally stitched by hand by the women in small villages to use as bed coverings, prayer mats, table coverings, and wall hangings for their daughters’ dowries.  With the end of the Soviet era, more and more Westerners began to discover this art form, and the prices of antique Suzanis escalated.

With globalization and new markets opening, there has been a remarkable revival of this traditional art form, and we now have access to contemporary Suzanis which are still stitched by hand in the traditional manner and which are available at much more reasonable prices.  These pieces, along with genuine antique textiles, can be found through on-line sources such as Yurdan.com., through Atlanta based dealer and expert Maria Mallett: Textiles and Tribal Oriental Rugs, and through Tessara, a Houston showroom specializing in one of a kind, antique, and handmade products from around the world.

Today, fabric companies are jumping on the bandwagon to reproduce this art form in amazing woven and printed textiles as well as in jacquard adaptations.  These can be found from the high end Dongia (one of their Suzani fabrics retails for $370/yard) to mainstream stores like Calico Corners, Garnet Hill, Anthropologie, and even Target.

The pillow below from Garnet Hill is only $58.00.  These adaptations, which are much more versatile and are often shown in unexpected and updated colors, make excellent choices for upholstery, bedding, and decorative wall hangings.

Graceful floral motifs, often large scale, are dominant in Uzbek Suzanis – both in nineteenth century pieces and in modern ones.  Old traditional abstract forms such as palmettes, rosettes, and pomegranates, along with the occasional bird or fish, may appear.

So, when you are on the look-out for a Suzani to start or add to your collection, you should be able to find a gorgeous antique or a beautiful look-alike to suit any budget.


Photo Credits – Tessara,  Dongia, Garnet Hill, and Yurdan