Slowly, but surely, the Saree project has found its 52 drapes (well within a year that I set myself as a deadline), and was even featured on my favorite Cup of Jo. It was an incredible moment for someone who’s almost always been the back of the house person. I guess motherhood has opened up ways in which I view myself externally. And I’ve learned so many new drapes, while also being able to engage with so many bright Women teaching me about textiles, and the happiness of handcrafted things. I’m never going back!

Instagram feels like the blogger of 2004. Public, open and yet personal (for me at least). But there’s nothing like the satisfying breath of a living blog post, and this will always be my first Love. I hope to do a better job documenting on the blog, but I’ll surely cover all these on Instagram.

Talking about first loves, I am ready to begin another project, very much in the deep throes of my forever love for books, and lately with sarees. Growing up my love was exclusively reserved for books, and as a nerdy kid, people often decided to categorize me into one role. When the truth really is that you can be in love with a Banarasi weave or Jimmy Choo shoes, and be reading hundreds of books alongside it. 

For this project though, I am pushing myself to read women from the Indian (subcontinent) diaspora around the world. I grew up reading very many English authors, it’s time to get seeped into the worlds created by brown women, and see myself reflected in characters that look, feel and sound like me, even in different languages. The Indian subcontinent has dozens of languages. I can read in English, Hindi, Hindustani, Urdu (in Devanagari/Roman script), Marathi (with husband’s help), and Kashmiri (in Devanagari / Roman script). I intend to sift between all these to cross-train my brain. Hopefully, I can get back to the vernacular and reading that I’ve missed in years.

Which authors/ books do you recommend? Please join me, if you can. Use the hashtag #sareesandbooks on Instagram for me to find you.