The Sari Source

Heirloom-quality Saris are still made by hand at home by artisans working solo. Usually they get an order from a fancy Sari shop and then spend the next month, three months or more making the beautiful garment. They get paid by the piece so the speed of making a Sari is up to them.

A typical weaver and her big rig.

Colorful spools, waiting to be put into action. The Sari takes shape.

The delicate and exact hand of the weaver. Somehow the design of the Sari is transferred from the above rat's nest of thread. Look closely and you can see white boards with holes. They're sort of like old computer punch cards or player piano guides, dictating the Sari design.