Tropical Holiday Green Wool Applique Christmas Stocking By Rajesh Gehlot

Object

Why it exists

About this Item By Rajesh Gehlot, this Christmas stocking evokes Christmas in the tropics with forest green and brown on lime green. He works in wool felt with applique motifs.

Process

How it is made

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