Yeah, yeah, yeah... we all love Ikat. What else is new Sus?....Good morning everybody!!!
Anyway, I really like THESE Ikats. While there's a prevalence for a more geometric and ornate kind of Ikat, these took me by surprise. A few weeks ago (I believe through The Royal Me), I learned that Ikat is actually created by dying the thread before it's woven. For me, that takes this genre of textiles to a completely different level. The designs are formed by the colors in the thread meeting when it's woven.
So, a search for more types of Ikat brought me to these up here...Personally, I really prefer the drastically simplified squares and stripes to what is popular today. While the geometric styles so in vogue lately are gorgeous, these appeal to me as an abstract artist in how exuberant and joyful they are. The colors just come alive, crackling and humming with energy.
View more Ikat examples from history (well worth a trip) Courtesy of Victoria and Albert
*sigh* Ikat, so awesome to find out how it's made....I am deeply in love with the geometric designs that are so popular but, these are so awesome as well! Thanks Sus!
xo
Melis
Posted by: Account Deleted | Aug 03, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Me too... I love it all. Somehow, finding out how it is made, and the history of it makes me love it even more!!
Missing you...so excited for Ez's big journey!
Posted by: Susy | Aug 03, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Wow, these are a visual feast. And I had no idea that's how ikat was made. You're right, that gives it a whole new layer of coolness. Where does it originate, do you know? Pakistan? Kashmir? Bhutan? Or is it African?
Posted by: Clementine Cassie | Aug 03, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Hmm. I think these are West Asian (so...from Afghanistan, Khazakstan...) The link to the Victoria and Albert has a really cool history portion that explains the political climate when these were made...I guess it was a time of great hope and happiness-- funny how the world has changed. But, you can see the vibrant spirit they must have felt in these textiles!
I know other cultures also employ the Ikat technique-- but I don't know when it was innovated!
Posted by: Susy | Aug 03, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Ahh, the second one is just lovely.
Posted by: Melanie | Aug 03, 2009 at 12:24 PM
these are great (and thanks for the link!)!!!!
i have been recreating the ikat in photoshop as my company cannot afford the real deal! what a bitch for such beautiful pattern!! if you want the details to make your own, i would be happy to share!
Posted by: Kaelea Ann | Aug 03, 2009 at 04:53 PM
wowza! so that's how it's done!?! I always appreciate your angle on things Susy, thanks for the 411. Kaelea, I'd love to see some of the patterns you've created for your company. Share share share!
Posted by: Marichelle | Aug 03, 2009 at 08:04 PM
Gorgeous. I just LOVE ikat!
Posted by: susie q | Aug 03, 2009 at 09:23 PM
so beautiful. the colors are amazing.
Posted by: Andrea | Aug 03, 2009 at 11:58 PM
suzy, just thanks for making ikat even more magical. thanks a lot...
Posted by: bonbon oiseau | Aug 04, 2009 at 09:44 AM
I'm so happy you guys got a kick out of this! You all probably can relate...you do a blog post-- esp. as a visual blogger, and wonder...does anyone read it?
It makes me happy to know my visitors love this kind of information. I love it too! : )
Posted by: Susy | Aug 04, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Really? I'd love to see....altho i know it's probably confidential!
I am contemplating trying something with it...but I'm not sure. I just may take you up on that. You are a brilliant genius for figuring it out...and a giving soul for offering to share!
Posted by: Susy | Aug 04, 2009 at 10:13 AM
These ikats above are made in Uzbekistan.
If you are interested in ikat, you are welcome to visit our web site www.ikat.uz and order.
Posted by: Aziz | Jun 17, 2011 at 11:20 AM