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Design Resource
Pine Needle Craft of Chamba
Needle Crafts
by
Collection and Soaking
Each fall season, pine trees shed their needles. These are collected by the locals to last them the whole year. It is advisable to gather needles in undisturbed areas so that these aren't broken from having been walked on. Collection is usually done using a garden fork or completely by hand. The needles are then soaked in water overnight for them to become soft and pliable. Hot water is poured in sometimes to further soften them. This will make sure that the needles bend (instead of breaking) when they are coiled or sewn.
