What is the design on this cover?
A green ground is pieced with strips of pink and yellow embroidered patches, with touches of purple, orange and white in the stitching. Folk florals, geometric motifs and tiny mirror dots run through the strips, so the cover has a cheerful, garden-like mix of colour.
How do the patch strips sit on the cover?
The embroidered patches are arranged in strips across the face, and a green border runs around the outside to frame them. That gives the cover a sense of rhythm, with bands of pink and yellow moving across the green, rather than a random scatter of patches.
What do Kantha, Kambadiya and Banjara work mean here?
These are the hand techniques used on this cotton cover by artisans in Barmer. Different fabric pieces are sewn together as patchwork to build the larger design, then worked with embroidery. Since it is made by hand, small irregularities are a natural part of the finished piece.
What size is this cover?
It is a rectangular cover measuring 15 x 22 inches. That makes it a handy lumbar cushion for a sofa, a dining bench or an armchair, and a nice layer in front of square cushions on a bed.
Do I need to buy an insert?
Yes, it is sold as a cover, so you will need to add your own insert. Choose one made for a 15 x 22 inch rectangular cushion, so the patch strips lie smooth and the cover looks well filled.
Is this a good piece to gift?
It makes a warm gift for someone who enjoys colourful, handmade decor. It is made by a women's self-help group in Barmer, and each cover is pieced a little differently, so the gift carries a personal, handmade touch.