We have commitment to craft.
Sonali Rode
Founder of Handloom Tales
Sonali is from the handloom community. Born and brought up in Yeola – the home of Paithanis, she understands the real value of using the hand loom; and the hard work and craftsmanship that goes into weaving every single saree.
Choose handloom with pride, as you help the weaver communities stay alive, while also contributing to a better environment!
Call:+91 9850528903
Email:business@handloomtales.com
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Why “Handloom Tales”?
Behind the looms are… Stories that need to be told. Stories that need to be heard.
“Behind the Loom” by Handloom Tales is a series which brings you raw stories from the looms of Maharashtra; stories of weavers, their lives, history, craft and culture. Real people. Real craft. Real stories.
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Vision
Our vision is to empower the artisanal weaver communities by promoting handloom. We hope to inspire people to choose handloom and feel proud about preserving traditions, people, generations of craftsmen, and the environment!
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Made in Yeola (Maharashtra)
Yeola is bustling with old buildings that jostle for space with new buildings. This quaint little town is home to one of Maharashtra’s biggest handloom clusters, known particularly for its rich and intricate Paithanis; part of a bicentenary-old weaving tradition from the Peshwas. All our Paithanis are genuine, authentic and made in Yeola by artisans who are part of handloom clusters!
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A piece of History
The art of Paithani is over 2000 years old, developed in the the city of Pratishthan ruled by the legendary Satavahanas ruler Shalivahana now Paithan by the river Godavari in Marathwada, about 50 km from Aurangabad. In ancient times, this was an international trade centre for silk and zari.
Paithani is named after Paithan town where the sari was first made by hand.
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An Heirloom
Weaving a Paithani is no easy feat, it takes an entire community to make one saree. Silk yarn is sourced from different cities, and it is then dyed by Rangaris, who have traditional knowledge about indigenous dyes. Then the weavers work on a traditional loom – a three-feet wooden pit where the weaver sits on the edge with his legs inside. Continuous pedal work and meticulous movement of the craftsman’s fingers create a timeless piece.
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A Promise
Handloom tales promises to bring to you authentic and genuine Paithani sarees from the sleepy little town of Yeola. Our main goal is to keep our handloom communities and our rich tradition, practices & culture alive. If the demand for handlooms keeps decreasing, the skill of weaving a Paithani or any other traditional piece of clothing will be lost forever, and it’s a risk we definitely aren’t willing to take!
