Product story
The maker, materials and process behind the finished object.
Object
Holiday cheer is everywhere--even in the depths of the tropical rainforest. Rajesh Gehlot in India presents a holiday stocking in red wool felt with leafy green vines criss-crossing the front. A loop for hanging completes the design, which features a reverse side of solid red wool.
Process
First, we procure wool from Bikaner and Jaisalmer. It undergoes an initial cleaning process where burrs and black wool are removed; it is then fed into a 'bilo' machine to separate out dirt and thorns. Next, it passes through an opener machine—a process known locally as *pindai*—followed by a carding machine that forms the wool into rolls. These rolls are then processed in a hardening machine, where they are beaten for two to three minutes while steam is applied to set the material. Subsequently, the material undergoes milling with the addition of soap; it is beaten for two hours until fully prepared. If coloring is required, four sheets are placed together in a large vessel and boiled for 10 minutes, after which they are dried in a hydro-extraction machine. Finally, the material is cut into pieces— either by machine or by hand—according to the required size and sent for stitching.
Origin
HANDICRAFT RAJASTHANJAIPUR INDIA
Construction reference
