April 21, 2011

I Spy Kantha: Pickstitch Ralli Quilts

Trend alert: pickstitch quilts, or traditionally called Kantha or Ralli. Kantha meaning 'running stitch', and Ralli meaning 'rags'. These layered, stitched quilts are handcrafted from women in India, Sindh, and Pakistan. I came across 3 of these quilts in the same day and quickly became enamored. I love blankets that get better over time. Like matlasse, quilts like these just get softer with each wash. These all seem to have a free spirited gypsy attitude. While I'd like to imagine grabbing one of these and a bottle of Rioja for a picnic in an olive field in southern Spain, I think a ralli would also be suited for some serious fort building and snuggling in front of the TV. Since first spying these quilts, I've spotted them at Anthropologie and Sundance Catalog. They range in price from $48 to $420. Stay tuned, looks like I might have to make a version for myself.
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Ralli Sari Quilts
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Even a folding chair. Only from Anthropologie.


3 comments:

  1. check out saribari for some awesome blankets of this nature, made by rehabilitated/ former prostitutes!

    also, i love your blog. the moorish arches make me melt.

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  2. Thanks so much for the tip. What an amazing organization! I hope to do a feature on Saribari-- very cool. And I've bookmarked your blog as well-- looks like a great adventure read!

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  3. KKP-- I've posted on Saribari. Thanks again for sharing the information!

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