Cottedge

A bit of backstory before we dive into the Patina Collection. Before Patina became a collection, it started with one unexpected find.

I saw my first vintage Kantha quilt in Jaipur on my very first sampling day trip in November 2023, and the “day trip” detail matters. Jaipur is about 350 miles from my hometown, Indore in the state of MP. I was home visiting family for just a week, and without knowing much at all, I booked a morning flight to Jaipur and an evening flight back the same day, simply to explore.

At that point, I had the contact for just one manufacturer, which I had found after a lot of online research, and no real idea of what to expect. I just knew I wanted to kick start Cottedge, and that meant taking the first hard step and just doing it.

While visiting the manufacturer that day, I came across a vintage Kantha quilt that immediately caught my eye. It had incredible color and texture and was worn out in a very unique, special way. It had so much character, and almost instantly I thought, I want to make pants with this!

That pair of pants became my very first sample. The placement of the grey patches was not quite right, and honestly, it still bothers me every time I wear them. But I love the colors, the fabric feels great, and I still reach for them again and again.

First sample pants and also very first Instagram post on Cottedge

Then I made a second pair. This quilt was thicker and felt sturdier, almost like denim. The fabric had weight, and the pants felt solid, like something you could wear all day without overthinking it.

After that, the ideas started to grow beyond pants. I began thinking about vests, jackets, skirts, and tunics. But that first pair of pants will always be special. 

I decided to call it the Patina Collection because the name felt fitting. Patina is about age, wear, and use. It reflects how surfaces change over time and become more interesting because of it. These pieces are not about hiding marks or inconsistencies. They are about working with old textiles and giving them a new life.

I have always been drawn to patina on old doors, furniture, and rusted metal. The oxidation creates unexpected colors and textures, and that is exactly how these vintage quilts felt to me. Each quilt is traditionally made by layering old sarees, dhotis (traditional garments worn by men in parts of South Asia), or similar cloth and stitching them together with a running stitch. This method grew out of practical textile reuse in rural households, where quilts were made for warmth, bedding, and everyday use, and it has been practiced for generations. Over time, the layers soften and shift, revealing new colors and textures underneath. That slow transformation is what makes each piece so special and why no two are ever the same.

On my most recent trip to Jaipur, I returned with a clear intention to source more vintage quilts and make additional Patina pieces. I revisited my original supplier and also connected with a new quilt supplier, and I was blown away by the beautiful quilts I found. A few Patina pieces made from vintage kantha quilts are already available online, with more currently in the works, and I can’t wait to share what’s coming next.

I recently returned from an energizing and very inspiring trip to India. While the trip included sourcing and manufacturing for Cottedge, it was equally an exploratory visit. I spent time in Kutch, Gujarat, learning directly from the artisans and weavers who carry forward generations of textile knowledge.

From Ajrakh block printing and Bandhani (tie-dye) to embroidery and handloom weaving, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the processes, stories, and people behind these crafts. What stood out most was the balance I witnessed everywhere - deep respect for traditional techniques alongside a strong spirit of innovation and experimentation, especially among younger artisans.

In Ajrakhpur, I learned about the complex, multi-step process of natural dyeing and Ajrakh block printing, and saw how artisans continue to push boundaries through new color combinations and layered techniques. In Bhuj, Bandhani artisans are reimagining ancient tie-dye methods with fresh palettes and traditional + contemporary patterns. Embroidery artisans are expanding beyond classic mirrorwork into appliqué and unexpected color stories.

I also visited handloom weavers creating beautiful, distinctive textiles through intricate warp and weft techniques using dyed yarns. The character of each fabric is shaped by many factors - the number of threads used, whether the yarn is hand-spun or mill-spun, and how the yarn is starched and finished. Witnessing entire families involved in different stages of the weaving process was especially moving.

Again and again, I was welcomed into homes and workshops with warmth, conversation, and tea. These moments of connection are as integral to the textiles, and to what we do at Cottedge, as the techniques themselves.

Each craft in Kutch is deeply rooted in its community, passed down through generations and preserved through shared knowledge. This connection between people, process, and place continues to inspire me, and it shapes how Cottedge designs, collaborates, and creates. 

Until next time. I look forward to continuing this work with care and intention.

A closer look at the Kediya - a traditional silhouette from Kutch, Gujarat, reimagined with Dhebariya Rabari artisans in handwoven Kala cotton and hand block-printed fabrics.