Bhukram’s Indigo-dyed Cotton Womenswear Development from Phu Phan District in Saknonakorn Province

Abstract

           The objective of this research is to develop Bhukram’s indigo-dyed cotton womenswear from Phu Phan district in Saknonakorn province and to assess the customer satisfaction of Bhukram’s indigo-dyed cotton womenswear from Phu Phan district in Saknonakorn province. The sample consists of 50 group members , 2 specialists, 1 researcher, and 100 customers or visitors. The study was conducted using a Research and Development Process. The researchers collected data through brainstorming sessions, interviews, and surveys. The statistics used in this research consist of frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while the qualitative analysis was conducted by using Content Analysis.
            Results from the research are as follows:
           1. Regarding general information on Bhukram’s indigo-dyed cotton, it was found that most of the garments are made for ladies, mainly focusing on the upper body such as tops, outerwear, short and long dresses, shawls, and scarfs. The lower body garments consist of loose-wearing pants and skirts. The embroidery work is unique, applying a double-sided embroidery technique using cotton thread dyed from natural colors.
          2. The researcher developed Bhukram’s indigo-dyed cotton womenswear by offering 2 training courses as follows:
               2.1 Embroidery pattern designing according to basic art concepts: This course starts with observation of products from local embroiderers in order to recognize mistakes in the work, as well as learn the artistic components, the color selection of embroidery floss, and the appropriate pattern layouts. The course further leads to enhancing the creativity of the embroiderer, bringing out the imagination and challenging the design to be different in order to develop new methods that could be used in combination with the original style by Phu Khram Brand.
              2.2 Creating templates for Bhukram’s indigo-dyed cotton womenswear: The course offers 8 templates focusing mainly on the upper body. The participants would be able to increase the size from the original pattern, adjust the length of the tops, choosing the type of set-in sleeves suitable for the shirt pattern, for example. The course also offers techniques for adding value to the fabric such as decreasing the fabric thickness for making pants or shirt pockets, and plaiting shirt hooks.
          3. In regard to the customer satisfaction of Bhukram’s indigo-dyed cotton womenswear, it was found that the overall customer satisfaction is high. Regarding individual items, the results found in the order of high to low is as follows: 1) customers are highly satisfied with the Bhukram’s Indigo-dyed cotton womenswear because they are fashionable; 2) the product is unique, showing exceptional use of fabric and local natural dye colors; 3) the products are constructed with high quality, delicate, and beautiful; 4) the products have great design and organization of embroidery patterns; 5) the products are easy to wear and durable; 6) the products are easy to purchase online; 7) the products can be applied to various occasions; 8) the products are offered at various prices and is affordable.