“Clay” wrap blouse in organic cotton
“Clay” woven dress in organic cotton

 

It is a thrill to see numerous traditional techniques and crafts still being practised across India today. Time-honoured art forms like block printing, ikat and many methods of dyeing using natural plant materials. In recent years, I have tried block printing with mud and dyeing fabrics with indigo. This has given me a greater understanding of how artisans handcraft products using traditional techniques.

It is always fascinating to see what colours natural dyes produce depending on the water and the plants used. The fabrics are immersed once or repeatedly in special vats where the dye coats the fibres to give each garment a unique and beautiful colour tone and character. Sometimes the shade is lighter, sometimes darker... this uniqueness is the charm of genuine craftsmanship!

On my visits to Bagru, the hub of block printing, I have learned a great deal about the craft. In this small town near Jaipur in the north of India, artisans specialise in printing with carved wooden blocks. Many well-known brands have their block-printing workshops here. Or should we call them factories? There are about twenty skilled printers at the workshop where our fabrics are produced. At the doorway, a man sits carving new woodblocks with incredible precision and skill. The business is owned and run by the Dharan family, with Mrs. Dharan in charge. She has been a business woman for 50 years, just like me.

Another traditional technique is ikat. A craft I’ve yet to see practised in real life. Ikat is woven mainly in central India, in the villages around Hyderabad. It’s on my list of places to visit next time I’m in India! Hopefully before too long.

 

Gudrun

 

 

Artisan-crafted clothing

“Clay” wrap blouse in organic cotton

Gudrun’s favourite blouse 
Match with a simple, black dress and you’re ready for any occasion. 
Wrap blouse » 

 

 

“Harda” woven tunic in cotton

Natural brown grey 
that is produced when using dye extracted from the cassia plant. 
Tunic »  /  Trousers »



 

“Clay” shawl in organic cotton
“Stone” woven coat in a wool blend
“Stone” woven coat in a wool blend
“Stone” woven coat in a wool blend
“Stone” woven coat in a wool blend

Magnificent autumn with cosy Stone 
A stunning statement piece with plenty of width and dynamic dots in autumnal colours. Its edges are beautifully finished with ribbon and it features a tall collar that can be turned up when the air turns nippy. 
Discover Stone coat »


 

“Harda” woven indoor jacket in cotton

Indigo & ikat
Harda jacket »  /  Clay dress »  /  Mud trousers »

 

 

 

“Clay” woven dress in organic cotton

Work of art 
The dye made from indigo and pomegranate produces this incredibly beautiful shade of dark green. 
Clay dress »  /  Clay shawl » /  Clay wrap blouse »

 


Shop the collection
Looking for your favourite colour? There are more colours than those you see here! Click on the product to view all the colours, learn more about our fabrics, fits, etc. 

 


instagram.svg

Are you a #gudrunista? 

Share your style, tag your posts with #gudrunista and follow us on Instagram @gudrunsjoden. Maybe we’ll use your picture on our website or in our social media channels! 

Looking for inspiration?
Meet other colourful Gudrunistas here »

Cannot see the images?
That is probably because you have not accepted our performance cookies. Find out more and update your Cookies Settings