My Love Affair with Kantha Fabric

I have to admit, I think Kantha fabric is awesome.   For those who do not know about Kantha; here is a brief description.  In India, old saris, either cotton or silk are patch worked together and then they are layered one of another, usually only two layers.   These two layers are then hand stitched together to form one fabric.   Usually the stitches are long running stitches.   Kantha fabric is used for garments and home decor items. 

This past spring and summer I found 3 pieces of Kantha that I love and I have made 2 of them into garments.   The first was a red floral print on one side and solid red on the reverse side.   Often garments from Kantha fabric are made reversible.  This jacket is not reversible but I did use the reverse side for the collar and cuffs.   All the colors in this jacket make it extremely versatile.  I think it will even look great with blue jeans. 

I found the second piece and third pieces at Silk Road Textiles in Cincinnati.  I have finished another Kantha jacket in purple.  It is fully lined and has wonderful sleeve detail.  

The third piece is a luscious brown print that is yet to be made but I can't wait to get started.   More to come....