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Taste of India

NEW THIS WEEK - April 26th, 2006:

A Taste of India

		Rasa (rah-sah) is the Indian word for the "essence of the joy of life." This joy is expressed through India's beautiful and elegant style of art. India is remarkable for its rich history, its diverse languages, cultures, and religions. The country reminds us of a beautiful and intricate tapestry, woven with threads of time and tradition. New designs this week give a taste of India's fascinating culture and beautiful art. Peacocks, the national bird and symbol of patriotism and pride are foremost in the spotlight. Jacobean-style peacocks are sewn with bright, lush colors, making them wonderful accents to denim jackets and jeans. The soft style of the designs lends well to pillows, linens, and cardigans. Animals are important parts of India's New designs include sassy, prancing elephants, camels, cranes, bucks, and cobras bold colors and decorative squares. Legends and stories about the animals are included below to give a fun "slice of life" for the "taste of India."
Construct and embellish a beautiful sarong with new Kashmir-style designs.
Kashmir has long been known for beautifully embroidered shawls, stoles, and linens. Light and breezy embroidery lines are fantastic on spring and summer skirts, dresses, and pants. The Kashmir designs incorporate other techniques, too, such as adding heat-set crystals, and reflective metal circles inspired by "shisha embroidery or mirror art. Enjoy the taste of India, and the new designs!

Jacobean Peacocks

In our travels to India, the first beautiful creature that we see is the peacock. It's the national bird of
India, the source of strong patriotic pride. Native to Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan) the birds were highly prized for their beauty and unique appearance. As a result they were captured and given as
gifts to royalty, and bred in countries around the world.

King Solomon's fleet brought the exotic creatures, with their iridescent blue-green tail-feathers, to Jerusalem. Reference is made in 2 Chronicles 9:21: "For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks." (KJV)

Available in three sizes:
7.80"X7.80" and 5.95"X5.96" and 4.88"X4.88"

Through the ages, poets have marveled at the thousands of "eyes" in a peacock's tail-feathers, and
as a result, many legends and tales have emerged. The Greeks believed that the peacock was covered with the eyes of Argus. Argus was reported to have 100 eyes that slept two at a time while the other
98 remained on guard. He was caught in the middle of a fight between Zeus and Hera, and was killed by Hermes at Zeus' request. To reward Argus for his faithful service, Hera placed his 100 eyes on the peacock's tail.

Available in three sizes:
7.39"X7.84" and 5.57"X5.90" and 4.63"X4.92"

Peacocks were believed to be Hera's favorite bird, and temples to her oftentimes
contained live peacocks. The beautiful bird is also found in Indian temples to honor
the gods of Lakshmi, Brahma, and Kama. Those gods are depicted riding on peacocks.

Available in two sizes:
5.86"X8.31" and 4.86"X6.86"

An Islamic story tells us that because of the peacock's many eyes and harsh voice, they were
believed to be excellent guards. A peacock was a guard at the gates of Paradise, until one day
he swallowed Satan and snuck him through the gates.

The peacock's harsh voice has an interesting place in mythology. Both Hindus and early Christians believed that the peacock hated the sight of its own feet. If he ever saw his feet, he'd stop strutting
and preening and scream at his feet. This story resulted in the doctrine that one must hate one's spiritual imperfections.

Available in two sizes:
9.42"X5.49" and 5.95"X3.74"

Peacocks have symbolism in the Christian religion, too. The peacock's strutting and preening is often associated with pride, and vanity. The image of the peacock is sometimes found at the 10th station of the cross, where Jesus is shown stripped of his garments, atoning for the sin of vanity. The birds were believed to ward off evil spirits, largely due to the mythology surrounding snakes. The peacock was believed to be immune to snake bites; it transformed the venom into the iridescent eyes on its tail.

Available in two sizes: 3.85"X9.41" and 2.82"X6.84"		Available in two sizes: 3.85"X9.41" and 2.81"X6.85"

Elements of the above peacock designs have been arranged into a corner (below, left) and an accessory (below, right) for you to use as coordinating embellishments. The peacock designs are fantastic for all projects -- bold and bright colors are striking on denim jackets and jeans. The long, draping "sprays" are perfect for plackets!

Available in one size: 3.83"X3.85"		Available in one size: 3.85"X2.18"

Jacobean Peacock Value Pack The above eight Jacobean Peacock designs are available in a value pack. This pack contains all the shapes you need to bring the joy of Jacobean to your home decor and wardrobe: square, rectangle, circle, oval, spray, corner, and the single. And, the pack is priced at only $11.97! Click on the links or images below for the size that you need, and add the pack to your basket.

All designs smaller than 6 x 10		All designs smaller than 5 x 7

Animals of India

The Indian elephant is prevalent in tales and myths. Long ago the Indian gods and demons raced through the ocean, searching for the "amrit" (elixir) that would make them immortal. As they churned the waters, nine jewels surfaced. One of the jewels was the elephant. The elephant is considered to
be precious, and is protected as much as priceless jewels.

Available in two sizes:
5.85"X5.84" and 4.87"X4.85"

Available in two sizes:
5.85"X5.85" and 4.84"X4.85"

In Indian folklore, cranes are sometimes viewed as tricksters. One story tells of a crane watching
over a pond filled with fish. The fish were suspicious and one asked the crane why he was watching them. The crane replied that he knew of a bigger and better lake nearby, and offered to hold the fish in his beak and take them to a new home.

The fish conferred with each other and decided to send one fish with the crane to see if the crane could be trusted. The crane carried the fish to the larger pond, and after the fish had swum through the waters and proclaimed it good, the crane carried the fish back to tell his friends. The fish agreed to let the crane take them one by one to their new home, and one by one the crane picked them from the water and ate them.

Available in two sizes:
5.86"X5.84" and 4.86"X4.85"

The Black buck is the spirit animal (vehicle) of the Indian god Chandrama.
The image of the buck is often found in paintings of meditating Buddhists;
a pair of bucks symbolizes Buddha. The animal represents purity, peace,
and prosperity.

Available in two sizes:
5.87"X5.87" and 4.87"X4.86"

This dancing peacock is framed in a border of color feathers. Because a peacock
"dances" when it's about to rain, an ornate design symbolizing waves and raindrops
is part of the background.

Available in two sizes:
5.86"X5.87" and 4.86"X4.87"

In India, the tiger is believed to be the guardian of the forest. Long ago when the people
of India were suffering from drought, the tiger created rain so the farmers could grow food.
Tigers chase away bad dreams, and guide children along a spiritual path.

Available in two sizes:
5.82"X5.82" and 4.84"X4.83"

India Animal Squares Value Pack The above ornate Indian square designs are available in a value pack. Get all 6 designs for only $8.97 - that's only $1.49 per design! Click on the images or links below and add the pack to your basket.

All designs smaller than 6 x 10		All designs smaller than 5 x 7

Leopards, with their sleek, short hair, and bright coat patterned with black rosettes, are found
in India, Burma, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Nepal. Sneaky, quiet, and stealthy, they are accomplished
stalkers, and sometimes descend upon their prey from a tree, climbing down head first.

Available in two sizes:
6.86"X4.84" and 3.86"X2.72"

A pair of peacocks are framed against a brilliant sunrise.

Available in one size:
6.87"X4.40"

The Kong tribe in India has a story that long ago, elephants were dogs. The dogs were
mistreated by the tribesmen, and asked the gods to intervene. The gods turned the dogs
into enormous elephants to protect them from mistreatment. This design features an
elephant in ornamental dress and saddle.

Available in two sizes:
5.37"X4.83" and 3.86"X3.48"

Not only is the tiger a great protector and spiritual guide, but he is also a symbol of
fertility. His image is prevalent at weddings as a way to wish the newly-married couple
many children. His image is often accompanied by symbols of the universe -- stars,
planets, and moons.

Available in two sizes:
5.36"X4.85" and 3.87"X3.49"

Rudyard Kipling wrote a story about how the camel got his hump:

When the animals began to work for Man, the Camel lived in a desert because he was idle and refused to help. The Dog, the Horse and the Ox all urged him to join in their work, but he only answered "Humph!" They complained to the Man, who said he was sorry, but they would just have to work longer hours themselves.

Then they complained to the Djinn in charge of All Deserts. So the Djinn went to see the Camel and told him to work, but still all he would say was "Humph!" The Djinn made a magic that puffed up the Camel's back into a humph (or hump) and condemned him to work for three days without eating, living on his hump instead, to make up for the days he had missed. He still has his hump, he never did make up the lost time, and he still behaves badly.

Available in two sizes:
4.63"X6.83" and 2.61"X3.86"

The Black buck, recognizable by his twisting and waving horns.

Available in two sizes:
4.24"X6.85" and 2.38"X3.84"

Indian Animals Value Pack The above Indian Animal designs are available in a value pack. Get all 6 designs for only $8.97 - that's only $1.49 per design! Click on the images or links below and add the pack to your basket. Please note the small pack has only 5 designs for $7.97 -- the peacock design is not included in the small pack.

All designs smaller than 5 x 7		All designs smaller than 4 x 4

Kashmir Art

The region of Kashmir has long produced delicate and beautiful embroidered shawls, stoles, linens, and saris. New design this week are inspired by Kashmir art. Simple lines form an elephant with blooming
flowers. Areas of the design have been left open for heat-set crystals, 12 mm in size. You can also add
large sequins (also called "bangle" sequins) or other embellishments to those areas.

Available in three sizes:
7.90"X7.90" and 5.84"X5.85" and 4.90"X4.78"

The elephant and flowers are arranged in a circle, great for pillows.

Available in three sizes:
7.89"X7.90" and 5.86"X5.86" and 4.89"X4.90"

The oval arrangement is lovely for skirts, and also very fun when sewn
in bright colors on the legs of denim jeans or Capri pants.

Available in two sizes:
5.88"X8.70" and 4.85"X6.85"

The rectangle shape is wonderful for repeating a border along the bottom
of a shirt, skirt, cardigan, tablecloth, and linens. The smaller size of this rectangle has
been formatted for the Endless Hoop, and may also be used in standard hoops.

Available in two sizes:
9.41"X4.64" and 6.00"X3.03"

Kashmir "spray" designs are perfect for plackets on shirts and cardigans, or repeat the design down the legs of jeans and Capri pants.

Available in two sizes: 4.12"X9.30" and 2.93"X6.62"		Available in two sizes: 4.12"X9.30" and 2.93"X6.62"

A delicate corner (below, left) and single elephant (below, right) are fantastic accessories and accents to the larger designs.

Available in one size: 3.85"X3.83"		Available in one size: 3.50"X2.64"

Free Project Instructions - Sarong

One free project this week shows you how to construct a wrap-around "stay put" sarong. Great for putting on after you take a dip in the pool, ocean, or lake.

The project is embellished with the Kashmir elephant and crystal designs. Click here for free project instructions.

Kashmir Elephant Value Packs The above Kashmir elephant designs are available in a value pack. Get all 8 designs for only $11.97 - that's only $1.49 per design! Click on the images or links below and add the pack to your basket.

All designs smaller than 6 x 10		All designs smaller than 5 x 7

"Shisha" embroidery is the process of using reflective or "mirrored" metals in embroidery art. The following designs are inspired by this style of embroidery. We used light aluminum "embossing metal" as an applique. The result is very fun -- the light and sheer design contrasts beautifully with the bold metal, and is quite reminiscent of mirror work. You can also use mylar or fabric for the applique circles.
For project instructions, click here.

Available in three sizes:
7.86"X7.86" and 5.85"X5.86" and 4.87"X4.86"

The flowing vines and abstract design elements of Kashmir art are wonderful
for embroidering spring and summer dresses, skirts, shirts, and Capri pants.

Available in three sizes:
7.83"X7.88" and 5.84"X5.85" and 4.85"X4.88"

Embossing metal is available at most craft and supply stores. You can use a 1" circular craft
punch to prepare the aluminum shapes. Or, use fabric or mylar in place of the aluminum applique.

Available in two sizes:
6.59"X9.40" and 4.81"X6.83"

A rectangular border is wonderful for the bottom of skirts, cardigans, and table linens.
The smaller size of this rectangle has been formatted for the Endless Hoop, and may
also be used in standard hoops.

Available in two sizes:
9.38"X4.70" and 6.00"X3.30"

Long arcing "sprays" flow beautifully down the front of shirts and cardigans. Or, stagger the right and left down pant legs.

Available in two sizes: 9.42"X3.05" and 2.23"X6.88"		Available in two sizes: 9.42"X3.05" and 2.23"X6.88"

A corner (below, left) and accessory (below, right) allow you to carry the look and feel of Kashmir embroidery throughout your entire wardrobe or home decor project! Add these elements as accessories to the larger designs.

Available in one size: 3.87"X3.88"		Available in one size: 3.78"X2.94"

Free Instructions - Metal Work

To demonstrate how to embroider on metal to add a "reflective" quality to your embroidery projects, we constructed curtain tiebacks with the Kashmir mirror art designs. Click here for free instructions.

You can use the designs -- and the process -- in any embroider project: shirts, jackets, pants, cardigans, pillows -- the list goes on and on!

Kashmir Mirror Art Value Packs The above Kashmir Mirror Art designs are available in a value pack. Get all 8 designs for only $11.97 - that's only $1.49 per design! Click on the images or links below and add the pack to your basket.

All designs smaller than 6 x 10		All designs smaller than 5 x 7

Want to see more? Click here to see designs released in previous weeks!