Lila Handicrafts

Pakistan

Year(s) attended: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 (Naina w/o Sadhumal Surendar Valasai)

Ralli Quilts

Patchwork, Appliqué and Embroidered Quilts

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 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. 2011 marks the very first year that a cooperative member, Naina w/o Sadhumal Surendar Valasai, will represent the women of Lila Handicrafts at the Folk Art Market.