Santa Fe International Folk Art Market

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Lila Handicrafts – Ralli Quilts

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Ralli Quilts (Patchwork, Appliqué, Embroidery)

Lila Handicrafts

Work by Lila Handicrafts

Ralli quilts are made in the remote regions of Pakistan and India by women artisans, many of whom will not travel out of their own village without their husbands or another male. Patchwork ralli quilts are patterned textiles made of old cloth from discarded clothing and household fabrics that are sometimes hand dyed to give them a new appearance. The cloth is torn or cut into geometric shapes, then stitched together on a palm mat on the ground using a large needle and cotton thread. Three quilting methods are used: patchwork, appliqué and embroidery.

Lila Handicrafts – Ralli Quilts is a cooperative of women from a small village in the Thar Desert region of Pakistan, Tehsil Diplo. The money the women make is primarily used to pay the costs for their children to attend the local village school.

In 2011, Naina w/o Sadhumal Surendar Valasai represented the women of Lila Handicrafts – Ralli Quilts at the Folk Art Market, marking the very first year that a cooperative member was able to attend.

The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, a non-profit organization, produces the largest international folk art market in the world, and our success led to Santa Fe’s designation as a UNESCO City of Folk Art.