Sustainable Practice
Originally trained in screen-print and hand embroidery, Sara is continually drawn to traditional handcrafts and sustainable textile practices, including Ajrakh block printing, patchwork embroidery, and natural dyeing techniques. Through independent study, hands-on making, and time spent learning directly from artisans and makers in India, she has developed a deep appreciation for the skills, histories, and ways of life connected to these traditions. These experiences continue to inform her practice, bringing heritage techniques into conversation with contemporary design and inspiring new interpretations rooted in both tradition and innovation.
Ajrakh Block Printing
Natural Dyeing
Embroidery with Kala Raksha
Embroidery with Kala Raksha
Suf Embroidery
During my exploration of Kutch’s renowned embroidery styles, I was particularly drawn to Suf embroidery. I spent time learning about this particular embroidery at Kala Raksha, a grassroots social enterprise dedicated to preserving traditional arts. Here I learned the intricacies if this technique directly from expert women artisans, but also how they worked it into and around their daily lives.
Suf embroidery is a meticulous technique based on the triangle, or "suf", counted on the warp and weft in a surface satin stitch worked from the back. Motifs are never drawn; instead, each artisan envisions her design and counts it out—in reverse.
We worked together on collaborative designs choosing some of their motifs, changing thread colours and simplifying the compositions to fit with Studio Astray’s shapes and aesthetics.
The Indigo Horizon Crop Jacket embroidered with Suf Mountain & Stars, will be available in the shop soon…