Breathing life into fading art

From ages people have been using intricately weaved Bobbin lace on dresses and sarees as it gives a new look to their outfit. Bobbin lace is made by twisting of thread and the weaving with set of pins on a pillow, and as it is worked on a pillow it is also known as pillow lace. With many other new designer laces that have come into market, the age-old tradition of Bobbin lace is fading away except for a few like the 50-year-old Teresa from Ghanapur village, Jangaon district.  

Though these beautiful laces are no longer in trend, Teresa says, “This is my skill and I am not bothered about whether this work is still in trend or not. I feel good to save this art form.” She has been showing her art at the ongoing Golkonda Handicraft and Textiles exhibition at NTR Stadium. She also gives live demonstration on how to make bobbin laces.

“From past 32 years I have been making these laces and selling them in various production houses and retail markets. These laces are made on pillow with the help of pins and bobbins and are only made with hand. It takes at least three days to complete the work depending on the size of the lace. I earn Rs 10,000 to 15,000 per month,” she shares.

Teresa also provides training to girls on how to make Bobbin lace by conducting workshops. She says that she charges Rs 10,000 per person for training and they take nearly six months to learn the art of making of lace. Till now, she has trained nearly 500 girls in her village. In the absence of official intervention in saving traditional crafts, it is people like Teresa who provide the much-needed lease of life to this intricate art of lace making. 

By Aneri Shah