HEADER BLOG TITLE

28/10/2014

Indian Cotton Mattresses (gaadi)

Hello!  Our furniture has at long last arrived last week and I have been crazy busy organizing the Pigtails Palace ever since. Ah hell, I am clearly not 20 or 30 or even 40 years old anymore. My muscles are aching, my knees buckling. Three story palaces are really most suitable to the young and restless, not the middle aged! As soon as I unpacked my beautiful Vinnis Colours yarn though, I was feeling young and dandy again! 

 Friday morning I took a respite from unpacking to enjoy breakfast at Souq Waqif and stumbled upon the most interesting little street in downtown Doha. In fact, Doha is packed with interesting streets and I just love being able to finally explore the city now that the weather has cooled down significantly. This street is home to a few Indian Cotton Mattress (also known as gaadi) makers and traders.
 

Such shops are common in the towns of cities of India and it was a surprise to also stumble upon the same in Doha. Production of cotton mattresses (pillows and quilts too) is a labour intensive activity since it is all hand stitched. This YouTube video demonstrates the beautiful process, it is well worth watching to see how they pack the cotton sleeves, hand stitch it closed  (referred to as knitting in this video), flatten and compact the cotton with a stick before finally adding the edging to both sides and sewing the quilt like stitches. Indians are masters with scissors, thread and needles! These mattresses are very comfortable and suitable to hot and humid climates, however, it also loses shape quickly and the cotton needs to be treated and re-packed after a few years.

Two men recount how changes in the bedding industry in India, is affecting their craft:
Anser Basha Mattress Maker from Chennai
Khurban, Mattress Maker from Bangalore

I fell in love with some of the fabrics used to create these mattresses, not to mention that the mattresses and pillows are gorgeous items in its own right. My mind is spinning, I am thinking that this offers the perfect solution with regard to seating, or rather lounging, here at the Pigtails Palace. We have two great outdoor spaces, the one an L-shaped courtyard which also features a build in plant bedding on ground level and the other an entire rooftop area with beautiful wooden lattice shutters dividing space between the water tank and the rest of the rooftop. The space is accessible from a door on the third floor. It is the perfect weather now to develop the full potential of these spaces with the help of  Indian cotton mattresses don't you think?!
 

Have a great week!

55 comments:

  1. Really gorgeous, those mattresses ! I have never seen such mattresses, to me, they look more like beautiful pillows. Here, a mattress is just a dull, plain white thing, you quickly cover with nice sheets ;-)...
    I also see a lot of lounge & garden possibilities !! Especially outdoors, in your hot climate over there !
    Soentjies, Ingrid

    ReplyDelete
  2. It was such a comfort to read your first rows in your post : I feel the same !!!!! Luckily the Battini Palace (!!!!!) is just 2 story ……. !!!!!! Anyway, I felt so happy too to find out all my yarn again : such a relief !!!!
    I love those indian mattresses and your ideas for your outdoor spaces are great : I imagine you crocheting lying over them while sipping some tea …..
    xxxxxxx Ale

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh the colours! The beauty! You most definitely need to bring some of these gorgeous mattresses into your home - and the bonus is that they will be easier to move around than heavy wood furniture, and when your middle-aged muscles (oh I can relate!) start to ache, you just flop down and relax on a lovely patterned mattress! Chrissie x

    ReplyDelete
  4. ~ ♥ ~ So beautiful and cooling to see.. We have some similar style way back in my home town, Thailand. Here I am in Germany things are different ^:^I love the yarns you have, so gorgeous. Reading your post, made me want to go to Doha, at least for a yarn. Have a wonderful the rest of the week. ~ ♥ ~

    ReplyDelete
  5. Amazing pictures! Love those mattrasses... I brought similar ones back from India, although it was a bit of a hassle at the time I never regretted it... ;-)
    Your courtyard plans sound so lovely!
    Have a great day! Haafner

    ReplyDelete
  6. Buckling knees, I recognize that �� Glad you have your furniture and yarn! Love all your pictures, the colors and the matresses. I am sure you will work out your ideas to the very best!
    Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lovely; both the yarn and the matresses...

    ReplyDelete
  8. pillows and mattresses on the yard.....wow...rare beauty-awesomly presented as always...have a great time for your upcoming projects!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Cheers all! these are certainly so much prettier than the norm! Haafner, I can image what your luggage looked like mwoaaaa. It reminds me of the time I brought a wooden carving in the shape and size of a door back from Langkawi. I could barely pick it up, but I was unstoppable in my quest to have it. In fact, it is so heavy that the person who started the carving also gave up as the wood was too hard. That is why I like the piece, It is unfinished and show the process of what a carver goes through. Hmm, will post a pic soon, it is an interesting piece!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear Magda, You have beautiful eyes. Even this small worn shop, you are showing me little details. And inspring me very much.
    Hope to meet you soon x x

    ReplyDelete
  11. To get the best out of your chosen mattress try a mattress protector. They're available in anti-allergy or waterproof styles, and are machine-washable. Mattress toppers add a luxurious extra layer to your mattress. They provide extra support and comfort and will generally provide a cosier feel to your bed.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Excellent post. If you are looking to buy a new mattress these you should try Back support mattress from Refresh Mattress.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Is the shop still there in Souq Waqif? I want to buy a cotton mattress and can’t find in Qatar

    ReplyDelete
  14. Very informative post I enjoyed reading it. Are you want to know about top orthopedic mattress price in India

    ReplyDelete
  15. If you care your mattress get batter result and long life. Normally life of the mattress is given below this detail may be differ because depends on how to use and condition of the mattress.
    Latex Mattress Maximum 10 Years
    Foam Mattress – Maximum 5
    Spring - Maximum 7
    Coir – Maximum 5
    Cotton – Maximum2
    Best Price Mattress

    ReplyDelete
  16. Amazing Cotton Matterss! By seing pictures and reading blog which makes feel of very nice Mattress.
    To buy Soft Touch best mattress in India

    ReplyDelete
  17. No words to say about this blog, Its quite informative!
    mattress online brands

    ReplyDelete
  18. Nice Post the information you are provide is very good. We have some information about best ortho mattress online.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Its Quite informative Post of Cotton Mattress.
    THanks for sharing.
    mattress shopping online

    ReplyDelete
  20. Amazing mattress and pillows! Thanks for the detailed explanation.
    Memory Foam Mattress online

    ReplyDelete
  21. thank you for sharing this information it has helped me to know more about buy mattress online

    ReplyDelete
  22. Nice Post
    This is great information and I like your contant.
    Memory Foam Mattress

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thank you for sharing great article. It found really helpful. Also refer Best Premium Memory Foam Mattress

    ReplyDelete
  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  25. For better and quality sleep you need a proper mattress that also helps you to reduce your sleep time. The memory foam mattress is considered the best mattress for your sleep. Wakeup provides the best quality memory foam mattress in India.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for sharing the fabulous information to the general public. We have the cleaning services in Sydney for the benefits of people at range able price. Our services are given below, please must visit…
    Mattress Cleaning in Sydney

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great Post!
    Very informative post. Covered almost everything. Please Keep sharing such a useful content for us.

    Roma Puf is a zero compromise brand bringing a new generation of products with Strong testing and proper quality control, checked at multiple levels for the bestest of experience and no less. If you want to buy Mattress , Pillows, Comforters, Protectors, Bed Linens then call us on +91-7303485486 or visit our website: romapuf.com

    Thank You

    ReplyDelete
  28. Nice stuff!! fabulous information that you have shared about mattress.
    Waterproof Mattress Protector

    ReplyDelete
  29. Orthopedic Mattress Online | Memory Foam Mattress

    The Sleep Labs presents Orthopedic Mattress Online for you that helpful in your Orthopedic pain. This is a 3 Layered Memory Foam that provides you comfort and Sleep.
    Call@ - +91 8826 282 168

    ReplyDelete
  30. thanks for sharing such a beautiful information. anyone looking for Latest Handloom Cotton Sarees? visit jeeva trends

    ReplyDelete
  31. If you are planning to move, a deflated air mattress is very easy to transport and will take up very little room in your moving truck. Affordability New mattresses can cost well over $1,000.00 - but you can find a top quality air mattress for under $100. In most cases, you can purchase large-sized mattresses - or even two separate ones - and place them on the same bed for use truck mattress

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi can you let me know the shop name address where I can get cotton mattress in doha similar to the pics

    ReplyDelete
  33. Amazing Blog Bedsheets.Buy Bedsheets, Quilts and other Bedding Essentials Online in India. Checkout website for Special Offers and First Look at New Products.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Casino, Resort & Spa at Hollywood in NV | JT Hub
    The award 남원 출장안마 winning casino and resort features 24-hour 오산 출장안마 casino gaming. Award-winning dining, entertainment, and 경기도 출장안마 shopping at its most 군포 출장안마 elegant location. 목포 출장안마

    ReplyDelete
  35. Very attractive article your article is so informative Logo Tablecloth I appreciated your thoughts Keep Sharing

    ReplyDelete
  36. Nice blog.Very informative article..keep sharing..Shop from our latest collection of Bedsheets online in India.

    ReplyDelete
  37. A mattress is a long-term investment, so consider the warranty and durability of the product. Look for mattresses with extended warranties and reputable brands known for their durability. For the best sleep make sure to buy Repose Spine Pro Mattress in Tirupur.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Zerog Mattress at Oasis Centre, Dubai, truly stands out as the epitome of excellence in the realm of sleep solutions. The moment I stepped into their store, I was greeted by an impressive array of top-notch mattresses, each promising the perfect blend of comfort and support.

    What sets Zerog apart is not just the quality of their mattresses but also the overall shopping experience. The ambiance of the store is inviting, and the staff's expertise adds an extra layer of confidence to the decision-making process.

    If you're in the market for a new mattress and want nothing but the best mattress store in Oasis Centre, Dubai at Zerog Mattress, should be your go-to destination. It's a haven for those seeking the ultimate in sleep comfort.

    ReplyDelete
  39. So why wait to experience the ultimate in eco-conscious comfort? Visit the Repose mattress showroom in Chennai today and explore our Eco-Friendly Mattress – where sustainability meets luxury.

    ReplyDelete