Dancing Looms

Jamdani sarees are one of the most beautiful and exquisite sarees in the world. Originating in Dhaka, Bangladesh, these sarees have been around for centuries, and their popularity has only increased over time. These sarees have been passed down through generations as heirlooms, and are highly prized for their beauty and craftsmanship. In this blog post, we will explore the history, production process, and cultural significance of Jamdani sarees. History of Jamdani Sarees The history of Jamdani sarees can be traced back to the Mughal era in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The name Jamdani comes from the Persian words "Jam" meaning flower and "Dani" meaning vase, which reflects the floral patterns and designs found in these sarees. During the Mughal period, Jamdani sarees were considered a luxury item and were worn by the wealthy and noble families. The intricate weaving of these sarees was done by skilled weavers who were patronized by the ...

Here's a little something about Reena (name changed for keeping identity safe) one of the advocates of Dancing Looms . Reena is an avid saree collector, and she always has an eye for unique and beautiful pieces. She loves exploring different markets and online stores, looking for that one-of-a-kind saree that would stand out from the rest. For a long time, Reena has been looking for a unique saree that she had once spotted on someone at a diwali  party. One day, she spots a similar saree online: a beautiful tussar saree with a Madhubani hand painting on it. The painting is intricate and detailed, and Reena is immediately captivated by it. She knows that this is the saree she has been searching for. Excitedly, she places an order for the saree with Dancing Looms , the online saree store.  The saree is woven and hand-painted especially for her, using rich organic dyes. It takes around twenty to twenty five days to get it ready and reach her from the day she books her order....

Assam Mercerised Cotton sarees are a type of saree that is popular in the northeastern state of Assam in India. These sarees are made from cotton that has been mercerized, which is a process that makes the cotton stronger, smoother, and more lustrous. The process of mercerization involves treating the cotton fibers with a caustic soda solution, which makes them swell and increases their strength. The cotton is then washed, neutralized, and dried. This process gives the cotton a silk-like sheen and enhances its ability to absorb dyes. Dancing Looms brings Assam Mercerised Cotton sarees  known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs. They are typically adorned with traditional Assamese tribal motifs such as the jaapi (a conical hat worn by Assamese farmers), the gamusa (a traditional Assamese towel), and the rhino (the state animal of Assam). The sarees are woven on a traditional handloom by skilled artisans. The process of weaving a saree...

What happens when you buy or gift a Dancing Looms Saree? Dancing Looms is a social enterprise driven by a compelling cause. It collaborates with an NGO that works with local communities to actively support and rehabilitate artisans and their families. Many of the artisans covered by Dancing Looms are people who come from difficult pasts but find a new calling here. Every purchase made goes into supporting them directly through food, education and rehabilitation. A sustained livelihood gives them respectability, and to the next generation, a stable peaceful environment to grow up in. When people buy from Dancing Looms , they not only get amazing, authentic traditional weaves at a reasonable price but also support weavers’ livelihood in a unique way. We are not just any looms-to-doorstep initiative, though that's precisely what we do. More importantly, we transform lives. The proceeds from every purchase are used directly in supporting the weavers' community, as mentioned abov...

Tissue handloom sarees are a special kind of saree that are handwoven using delicate threads to create a lightweight, sheer fabric. These sarees are known for their fine texture, which makes them perfect for special occasions such as weddings and parties.  In the bustling city of Mumbai and several other modern Indian cities, tissue sarees have become a hot favourite at parties and events. These sarees have a shiny, sparkling tinge and when accessorized well, becomes the cynosure of all attention. So join in the trend that brings joy and excitement to many women across cities. Dancing Looms brings Tissue sarees in Silk (Tussar tissue sarees) that come with Silk Mark Certification and also in Khadi Tissue. Here are a few Silk Tissues.  And these are Tissues in Khadi. Which is your favorite colour amongst these? We have more. Write to us in the comments.