Woollen Crochet - Yadgiri, Karnataka
Wool is a natural fiber gleaned from sheep and goats, and at some places even from camelids and angora rabbits. It is a filament that thoroughly absorbs moisture and insulates against rough climate. Hence we prefer clothes, blankets, and other things made out of wool cloth, to keep ourselves warm and comfortable. As long as there is grass to graze on the fields, every year sheep will produce a new fleece, making wool a renewable fiber source. It also exhibits a property of extreme flexibility because it can bend 20,000 times without breaking, unlike cotton, silk, or rayon. Ability to absorb upto 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling muggy or sticky, also presents wool’s unique nature of soaking up. It also acts as a temperature regulator in cold as well as warm conditions by wicking moisture away from the body. They are fairly resistant to stains and greasy substances too. When exposed to continuous flame, it scorches or gives out smoke, while when the flame is removed, the combustion subsides on its own, making it a good flame repellant. Hence recommended for baby clothing and blankets.
Crochet is a textile product made from a single thread that is inter-looped into a particular pattern using a hook. The name crochet is derived from the French word ‘croc’ or ‘croche’, meaning hook. According to Annie Potter, an internationally acclaimed crochet expert, the true examples of crochet art were noted back in 1916 by Walter Edmund Roth during his interaction with Guiana Indians. Researchers also refer to China, South America, and Europe for related traces found in different ages. As per hand art history, a similar kind of art was practiced in 1500 Italy under the name ‘nun’s lace’, a product range for church textiles. Different kinds of materials have been put into use since its origin; like hair, grasses, fiber yarns, jute, plastic stripes, and even metals like copper, gold, and silver wires. All these are crocheted with a wooden, aluminum, or steel hook coming in various sizes. Historically, they were found to be made with animal bones and horns, used mainly for the purpose of hunting, fishing, catching animals, and birds. Later taking shape into a decorative element for religious events, celebrations or funerals. Nowadays they are also used for ornamental accessories to be worn on arms, ankles, and wrists. Hence traders approach artisans with market trends, and Developmental organizations or Self Help Groups try meet the demand. Tirumala Garments Training Center is one such non-profit organization from the district of Yadgiri, Karnataka. It is a training center, employing a large number of women into crochet making, helping them earn a living from the art. While also taking steps to preserve the Portuguese art of crochet and embroidery. The works done here are molded to incorporate modern designs to suit the market trend.
Place: Yadagiri, historically known as Yetagiri, is dotted for its cultural importance evident with the number of monuments and rich history. Its name is derived from its early medieval rulers, ‘Yadavas’, who ruled from their establishments on a mountain known as ‘Giri’ in Kannada. The place is adorned with a hill fort, ancient temples, medieval mosques, primeval tanks, and well designs, highlighting the architectural zeal of the place for ages. In the 10th and 12th centuries, the town was one of the important cities of the Western Chalukya Empire. Later it came under the reign of the Bahamanis, the Bijapur Sultanate, and finally, the Nizams of Hyderabad. Two important rivers of south India, River Krishna, and Bhima, travels through the region along with few other tributaries, making it a promised land for agro related occupations. Hence there are famous Agriculture College in the Bheemarayana Gudi area. Yadgiri is also well known for its cement, textile, leather, and chemical industries.
