Indian Pleated Woman's Skirt

Stretching into a very full circle, a red and green striped skirt flares wide.

This pleated woman's skirt is from Gujarat, India, and dates to the early 20th century. It is embroidered & applique cotton. Applique and embroidery are often combined in western Indian dress, with pieces of contrasting cloth sewn down and edged with decorative stitches. Finely pleated and flared, it drops from an embroidered waistband in bands of crimson, black and green, trimmed with small floral patches along the lower tier. Thin ties hang from the waist, ending in small tassels. It is 54 inches wide and 33 long.

A lot of fabric, a lot of stitching, no regrets.