The project aims at adding flavors to the dining space apart from food through table- linens. It ropes in different techniques according to different tastes. The products are mainly table linens (napkins, tablecloth, place mats and table runners) and the techniques adopted were weaving, machine embroidery and block printing. Provided that the design process was more of an iteratively repetitious. All the techniques required strike-offs and extensive colour emendations to be made before the desired sample was made. Numerous explorations were made to find a design direction. Initial research of looking into the existing samples of the company, the trend sheets of the clients and their preferences gave hints on deciding the CMF of the products. Geometric shapes, lines, overlaps and maintaining the organic characteristics of the design and the technique are some of the key ingredients to be considered in the during the process of iteration and reiterations. ‘From the East, for the West’ denotes the export that happens from India to the Western countries of the UK and US. The major challenges in large-scale production are cost and time. Dyeing warp or weft? How many colours? What material(s)? How to reduce the use of yarn in embroidery? Can the blocks be made and used later? How to reduce waste of fabric? Does the colour match the pantones? Or should I look for another fabric sample to match the colour?... are some of the questions that must be answered while making the design economically. Since the samplings are done remotely, it is necessary to develop the skill of coordinating with the vendors and colleagues with clear information. Sometimes designs are also altered to the available amenities and possibilities. In such cases, the client’s feedback is also considered. Working with challenges has helped in shaping a better designer,
