The 28th edition of the Maker’s Market is back in Coimbatore with sartorial brands from across the country.

There’s something for everyone at the 28th edition of the Maker’s Market. Expect fascinating crafts, heritage rice variants, sustainable decor and sartorial brands from across the country.

Coimbatorians are gearing up for the 28th edition of a bi-annual shopping experience, like none other. The Maker’s Market, which is happening at Whispering Stones, is curated by Deepa Sekar, who co-founded By Hand From The Heart, along with Kshiti Davey in 2011. With close to 25 participants and nearly 19 new entrants for this year, this version promises popular brands including Dhaga, Cork work from Outlin’d Studio and Cyanotype.

Sustainable clothing by Dhaga
Sustainable clothing by Dhaga

Subtle and sustainable

Designer Astha Patel interned under Naushad Ali and began Dhaga (Thread) last year. She did so as her passion for crafts and preserving heritage led her to pursue sustainable fashion ideas. Collaborating with everyone from housewives in Baroda to experienced artisans in Kutch, the label focuses on sustainable designs like threads coming from handmade yarns and prefer using natural dyes like an onion peel. Expect subtle colours and both festive and casual wear like cotton kurtis. Also check out the accessories like pouches, cushions and bracelets made from waste materials like the leftover fabric. `1,700 to `4,500.

All about prints: 56th day
All about prints: 56th day

Blue prints

The label 56th Day was started in Goa in 2016 when M Kalaivani, an architect, decided to experiment with printing techniques as a medium of expression. “It’s an old photographic technique and I started with paper and moved to fabric, as it was an easy and bigger canvas.” A slew of cyanotype, eco-printing like marigold, bougainvillaea products like stole, postcards and bookmarks will be making its way to the stalls. `100 for bookmarks to`6,000 for saris.

Eco-friendly crafts by Odd Trunk
Eco-friendly crafts by Odd Trunk

Decked out

What began as a graduation project developed into a good business model for illustrator Riddhi Rohit, who is pursuing her management in NIFT Chennai. Odd Trunk began last year with its USP being the usage of bio-degradable and eco-friendly products like DIY paper dolls inspired from golu dolls and wall hangings from global festivals like Japanese koinobori. `200 for charms to `1,200 for lampshades.

Chakhao poireition by Spirit of the Earth
Chakhao poireition by Spirit of the Earth

Conserve and cultivate

Spirit of the Earth is an initiative by the NGO AIM for Seva and began conservation and promoting heritage rice varieties back in 2017. “So far, we have collected 220 rice varieties across India and cultivated around 30 varieties at our farm, besides seed sharing with farmers as an effort to preserve the heritage rice varieties,” says Jayanthi Somasundaram. Fragrant rice species like Kothamalli Champa from Tamil Nadu, Kalajeera from Orissa, Black Rice Poha from Burma, and several others will be available at the stalls. `120 per kg onwards.

DIY corner

Besides an array of jewellery, festive decor, accessories, clothing for shoppers, patrons can also spot register at `400 to `2,500 for the workshops. They can choose from LeatherCraft Workshops by Sahaj where they will learn to make keychains, water bottle holder, earphone case, coin pouches and wristbands. Or try Cyanotype Printing by Kalaivani and learn to print their own photographs. There’s also Coconut Shell Craft by Kavin Art Gallery, who will teach working with coconut shells to make bowls, puttu maker, pen stand, windchimes, birds nest, plant holder, and bird feeder etc.

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