I'd rather be in India

Meanwhile ............

2012-02-23T11:31:00.001Z

There is the little matter of a small hanging to make, based on one of

Wassily Kandinsky's paintings. It's a group project, deadline looming.

into the dye pots to top up my dyed fabric

and then, the best, using up leftover dyes

better get on with it then!

Gathering

2012-02-23T09:54:00.001Z

I have the bucket, material, natural dye stuffs, and now this

a bottle of copper mordant,

a copper pipe left in a brew of

white vinegar and water

nice verdigris left on pipe

rusty nails next

I am gearing myself up to enter the world of natural dyes.

Meanwhile, my blog is featured on Best of the Web.

It's No 8. It appeared whilst I was in India, so you have

to scroll through to the second page! Thank you Jennifer.

One of the other blogs is Shruti's and she comes from

India. Worth looking at her site, especially since she

had started the India Modern Quilters Guild - fascinating.

on walking in the garden

2012-02-18T12:14:00.000Z

There is evidence of heavy frosts, in fact a friend told me that the

temperature dropped to 7c which is almost unheard of here in the south.

The jasmine and arum lilies have suffered, but there are signs of spring.

The fig tree is in bud, and catkins are hanging from the hazel tree.

Tiny peeps of yellow on the daffodil flowers, violets in bud, and

clumps of snowdrops nodding in the cold winter breeze.

So now I am thinking of the emerging vegetable plot and the

ordering of seeds. On my list will be Japanese Indigo. A few

years ago I planted indigo and had great success. Failed

miserably over the past year or two, and then discovered fresh

seeds are best.

my first indigo plants

the vat

the indigo leaves were stripped and mashed

and to my surprise it worked

blue

that was a huge learning curve, not so much information

about then. So gathering notes and research I am

really looking forward to the indigo harvest

in the late summer

Reflections

2012-02-17T12:33:00.002Z

We arrived back a day ago, so I thought I would reflect on our
Mysore/Karnataka journey. Our usual destinations are Rajasthan or
Gujarat. So different from Southern Indian. Each has it's charms, all
so very different. The north is so colourful, whilst, I think it would be
fair to say, the south is so green.

We stayed in Mysore at the The Green Hotel which is charming, with
very friendly and helpful staff. Our third stay here. Originally built by
the Maharaja for his sisters, later in the 1950's a film studio. Gardens
to sit and enjoy supper under the stars. A great place to wind down
before setting out on a journey through Kanartaka, arranged by Ahmed
at the Travel Desk.

The hotel is 5m from the centre of town and run on ecological principals.
All furnishings etc locally sourced, and any profits are donated to charity.

Mysore is a lovely city, with wide tree lined boulevards. Plenty to do
and see. Known for its silk, sandlewood and incense. The downside
is it appears the only place you can buy material and sandlewood, plus
other 'tourist' items would be the Government Emporiums. Set prices,
which are on the high side, and no chance of haggling.

However, Ahmed pointed us towards a supermarket near our hotel.
Amongst other purchases I grabbed bundles of incense and - a bucket,
plus other assorted stainless steel kitchenalia.

complete with it's Fragile label

it survived the journey without a dent

perfect for dyeing

The area around Devaraja Market is worth exploring, very colourful, and

who knew there was a Hindu festival for cows? Here's one with a turmeric

makeover. Very fetching I think.

I liked this display of rice bags

We left Mysore to head out to the countryside. A five hour trip, with stops

for chai, took us to River Woods Home Stay on the Avanty Estate near

Chickmagalur. No communication with the outside world, fabulous home

cooked food, and coffee, which is not surprising since we were staying

at a coffee plantation. The one thing I miss in India is a good cup of coffee,

it's usually instant. How could that be when coffee is the second largest

export?!!!

Moving on to the Palace Estate in the Coorg region, this time high up in the

hills. Three days away from the world again. Reading, walking, looking

and relaxing.

Coorg is home to the Kodava people, thought to be descendants of Romans,

Greeks, or Persians, nobody really knows. Coorg was an independent

state until 1956 when it was merged with Kanartaka. The Kodava National

Council are pushing for statehood to be restored. One day the leader of the

party joined us at the breakfast table. A very imposing character. Coorg

is known as 'little Scotland' and he certainly knew all about William Wallace.

He was intrigued to know whether the Scots' still fought the English. We

were able to assure him that this was no longer so.

So, big ticks for Home Stays, a great way to meet and talk to the local

people, gain a little understanding of their culture, and then, of course, the

regional food.

a feather from the jungle

A great read on Southern India is On a Shoestring to Coorg by Dervla Murphy.

Published in 1976 it is still relevant. I read it years ago, and fortunately there

was a tattered and well read copy in the Palace Estate's 'library' to dip into.

So, well refreshed, back to Mysore for a couple of days before our return.

We discovered the University Lake at the beginning of our trip. Not far from

the hotel, it has a four mile circuit around the lake. Thus began our excercise

regime. A late afternoon walk, enjoying watching the painted storks and

pelicans making their nests, meeting with fellow walkers and joggers (the

latter didn't stop!) then back to the hotel by 6 p.m. in time for a beer or two

before supper.

I always say that India is good for the mind, body and soul. I certainly feel

the benefit, and not only that, we missed the cold snap! Perfect.

around Mysore

2012-02-16T16:09:00.001Z

the market area in the older part of the city, busy and noisy

with the cries of the fruit and vegetable sellers

baskets of lemons

piles of melons

juicy pomegranates

sculptural jackfruit

on another street a lovely old building in need of repair

the superb art deco Modern Cafe, recently renovated

fruit ready to eat

the garland maker - a jasmine one for

me on Valentine's Day

Keshava Temple Belur

2012-02-16T15:34:00.003Z

On the road to back to Mysore we stopped for chai and a chance to see Keshava
Temple. Built around 1268, the last major temple of the Hoysala dynasty.

Midday hot sun, shoes removed to enter temple complex - ouch. I love walking
barefoot, in a way connecting with all those who have trodden this path for centuries.
This was more of a hop, skip and a jump between the sparse coconut mats.

The main temple is festooned with intricate soapstone carvings.

Elephants surround the base, each one different. To photograph

the next layer I would have needed the use of a ladder!

hopping on, and with the help of steps to one

of the temple entrances, a guardian lion

then a frantic dash to the temple 'store room'

images of gods ready for the next festival

a family group about to visit the temple who insisted

I took their photo, then great laughter and excitement

on seeing the result

and another group wanting 'aunty' to take a photo

they were lovely - big smiles and shaking of hands

'uncle' took this shot - you might notice the odd one out!

Coorg

2012-02-14T13:19:00.001Z

Three days on another coffee plantation, this time 3,500 ft up. The area is known
as 'little Scotland' and I can see why. First thing in the morning the valley is
swathed in mist, the mountain shrouded in cloud. The sun finally breaks through
the cloud and all is beautiful. So quiet and peaceful, plenty of time to read, walk,

watch sunbirds from the balcony, and just plain relax.

out and about

dactura - the flowers as big as my hand

bananas, or plaintain - delicious

a walk up the mountain

cardamon growing in the jungle

and then it rained

Moving On

2012-02-08T14:14:00.000Z

We travelled from Mysore west to River Woods Home Stay in Magaundi.
Five hours driving though fertile land - rice paddies and lakes, up through
hills covered with trees, and eventually to the coffee plantations. A long
and winding road indeed. Every where is so green and lush.

our villa in the early misty morning

in the foreground coffee beans set out

for drying in the sun

all around the ghostly sounds of birds

and the scent of coffee flowers not

unlike that of jasmin

the guardian of the house

coffee flowers

vines of black peppers climb up trees

No mobile, no computer connection,

no contact with the outside world.

Fabulous. Long walks through the

plantations, strolls down to the lake.

Evenings on the veranda taking in

the sounds of the jungle with a

chota peg of gin and tonic, then

enjoying the most delicious home

cooked South Indian food.

the full moon last night

taken from the veranda

Today we traveled to Hassan, a stop over

before we head to the district of Coorg.

I think the home stay there is half way up a

very high mountain! However, we have wifi

connection and a chance to catch up with

the world before we disappear for another

few days.

Karnataka

2012-02-08T13:32:00.002Z

We've been in South India for a week now, staying first in Mysore - a beautiful
city - just for two days to sort out forward destinations.

a visit to the local bird sanctuary

the islands overflowing with painted storks,

pelicans, spoonbills etc. etc. busy making their nests

did I mention rather large crocodiles?

The Railway Museum just marvellous. you could climb

up on to the plate and play engine drivers

oops

an old Austin brought out from England in the 30's

converted for the Railway Inspector to travel in

then there was the Government Silk Factory

gosh, the noise. we watched the total process from

spooling the silk yarn, through to the finished product

No photos allowed.

For a bit of colour - how about a collection of buckets?!!

Organisation, that's the thing, apparently

2012-01-25T12:05:00.000Z

January is always a good month for hunkering down and doing absolutely nothing.
Outside cold and grey, hard to motivate myself. However, lots of paperwork tucked
away. Workshop paperwork all done, tick. Accounts, yawn, and tax paid - big tick.

a massive yarn dyeing session - the last of

the balls yet to be wound on to spools

preparing cloth for the indigo vat

whilst listening to the radio

Room given a good clean out and sort. A good month after all.

Next week we are heading East - guess where - for two weeks

of warmth and inspiration. On my return I shall grapple with

setting up a website, which will include a new look store.

March is the start of a busy summer, and the first indigo

vat of the season. Hurrah.

A winter beach walk

2012-01-16T16:46:00.000Z

Blue sky days, but oh so cold. We took a walk along Sandbanks Beach.

Plenty of dog walkers, and mad wind surfers. The sea was boiling, the

wind coming from the south east, whipping up the sand. Very invigorating.

An hour was enough. Back home to warm up with a bowl of winter

warmer lentil soup, and curl up with some stitching.

warming thoughts

2012-01-12T12:29:00.000Z

It's grey and cold out there today, so what better than to think of warmer days.

I have put together my Summer Workshop program

and I notice that this paper, a yummy piece salvaged from a dyeing/batik

workshop, even talks about holidays in the sun

last year I met lots of lovely people who were interested in taking

workshops. I have names and e mail addresses, but in the way

of things, not all those . @ coms and cos have worked out.

So, if you are reading this and haven't received the list, contact

me. On the other hand, if I haven't met you yet, I'll be happy

to send you a copy!

2012-01-11T09:05:00.000Z

Shades of red and leftovers. The results of Dyeing Day One

Drying on a radiator with the cold winter sun casting shadows

Some lovely reds from coral to brick, then the fun of mixing remaining

dyeinto subtle, and not so subtle, colours

Today I have a selection of blues to rinse out, and more yarn for the dye pots.

Atishooooooo

2012-01-09T16:35:00.000Z

Best laid plans of last week had to go on hold. The Big Sneeze heralded a
horrible cold. Just had to go with it. Caught up on my reading, even watched
some rubbish films on the box - how ill do you have to be?!!

As a little light therapy a rolled some spools for dyed yarns. Mindless, but at
least I was doing something useful.

How wonderful when you suddenly feel better, even enough to tackle taking the Christmas decorations down, plus industrial cleaning. Shock horror, so many cobwebs, did spiders invade my house for the festive season?

Today I spent dyeing yarn. Outside grey skies, inside an explosion of colour.

Happy New Year

2012-01-05T14:38:00.002Z

Goodness, it's January 5th already. High time to get back into the studio.

Our flight in the silver bird on Christmas Eve took us to Singapore. Will invited us

to join him over Christmas. He was working, Senior First Officer on the flight crew.

How could we say 'no'?!!

It was hot and humid, lovely. Singapore is amazingly clean and well organised,

even with the one hour tropical rainfall in the afternoon.

the seeds made themselves tidy in this drain cover

an artificial Christmas tree

along side lush greenery

it had to be done - a Gin Sling at Raffles, then walking

through the discarded peanut shells on the floor

the city at night - all very Blade Runner

and a special treat - did they know I was coming?

exhibition of Indian Textiles for Export to the East 1400-1900

block printing from Gujarat - drawn and painted,

resist and mordant dyed cloth from the Coromandel Coast

And so, after three days the silver bird flew us home in time

for New Year's celebrations. Nic, Will and little Ben joined us.

Much eating, laughing and playing games, plus walks on

the beach, well wrapped up. Building sandcastles and

making dams. Back home for a warming soup.

2011-12-23T14:59:00.003Z

Happy holidays and best wishes for a peaceful and creative 2012

Tomorrow evening we will board a big silver bird and track the man

in the red coat flying across the skies. Just for a few days.

Somewhere hot and steamy, with no Christmas pudding in sight.

See you next year

Tiggy

Winter Solstice

2011-12-22T15:12:00.002Z

Today is the shortest day, and the turning point of the year. The sun gets stronger
and the nights shorter. A cause for celebrations. I can feel myself renewed, maybe
I will come out of hibernation!

Whilst I cannot post a picture of Stone Henge, where the sun rose beautifully , a good
omen indeed, I can give you some mistletoe from my garden.

and my Solstice hair

Oh, I do like a bit of colour!

stitched

2011-12-18T14:14:00.004Z

a little light diversion from seasonal things

I found a box of pre felted wool and sari ribbons, and a little time

the hidden embellishing machine made an appearance

sari ribbons needle felted, then an assortment

from my box of bits - net, sheers, and unknowns

the back looked good too

lots of hand stitching and French knots,

plus shell sequins

made a little bag, and added a tassel wrap

something to keep my mobile phone warm

Past and Present

2011-12-09T16:17:00.001Z

So, where has the time gone since we returned from India?!! My days have been

full, but only this week has it been textile related - more on that later.

My ipad is both fascinating and sometimes infuriating! Guess there is still a lot

of finding out to do!

When staying in Castle Bijapur in the depths of the Rajasthan country side I

found something I 'needed". Eating out, under the stars, and there were many

of them, a fellow guest viewed the night sky through his phone. There were the

planets and constellations mapped above our heads. And, so, dear reader,

I purchased an iPad!

This wonderous devise has lurked on shelves for years. Made up of

two discs of plastic, you can move the upper disc to select the time

and date. So good, so far. Next up, hold it above your head and

determine what is in the sky above. It never really worked for me!

But just look at this - and if you look carefully you will have a

glimpse of my bangles and rings!

Truly amazing, now I know what's out there for sure, even

during the day! I did let my son Nic have a play yesterday.

Being a Star Wars fan, it was difficult to wrest it out of his hand.

I have spent most of this week dyeing thread - lots of it,

and preparing for the Indian Bazaar which opens tomorrow,

for one day only. Check out post on 24 October for details.

Apart from the Bazaar, Lis will be bring her collection of

old Indian textiles, I'll have my Emporium and we have

four guest sellers. Silver jewelry, fabulous papier mache

bowls, lino prints and other yummy things.

Now I might just have to check out the night sky.

shiny things

2011-12-01T16:33:00.001Z

road side shrines

Hanuman

Ganesa

Testing, testing

2011-11-30T15:55:00.000Z

From my iPad.

New toy. Thought it might be convenient when on the move! And.......there are interesting Apps out there. Enough for today - my brain is scrambled.

Gone

2011-11-28T16:32:00.001Z

We knew it was going to happen whilst we were away, but,

my goodness, what a difference.

The dead birch tree has been chopped down, and the old green house removed.
The garden looks so much bigger. On Sunday we cleared the ground of weeds
and leaves. Now to ponder and plan the proposed vegetable garden. Fabulous.

something different

2011-11-25T09:22:00.001Z

seed heads

Yesterday I took a workshop with a local embroidery group. The subject, fused
applique with free machine embroidery and hand stitching. The piece is only
5 x 5", mounted on a stretched canvas. Just enough to get the idea. By the end
of the day everyone had finished the 'mechanical' bit, with just the hand stitching
to finish.

I loved the gathering of work at the end. All had their maker's individual drawing
marks. A good day, and such a change from my usual Indian inspired hand stitching!

home again

2011-11-23T08:32:00.001Z

back into London Heathrow to a chilly night, with a little fog

we travelled from Delhi, making our way west into Rajasthan, flying out

of Mumbai

After all the bother in Delhi, the trip just got better and better, especially

when we left the big cities and headed out to the countryside. On the

smaller roads, stopping for chai, and maybe a stuffed paratha, a delight.

There were moments, of course, like when the car broke down! The local

boys loved it, lots of help appeared from no where.The mechanic arrived,

bearing wire and pliers. A kind gentleman provided chairs for us, and,
later some fruit and chai. We continued to be objects of curiosity.

The car was declared to have a broken gasket. After an hour or so, another

car arrived so we could continue our journey. Ah, this is India!

Our final destination, Udaipur. Lake Pichola Hotel is like a home from home.

Four days of not traveling, just relaxing and catching up with friends.

Evening flight to steamy Mumbai. Morning flight to UK

Good bye India, until the next time!

at the end of the day

2011-11-22T13:34:00.001Z

while we were traveling

2011-11-22T05:46:00.001Z

through the countryside in Rajasthan, we came across a rather jolly gathering.
Sometimes it can be a little problem as to whether it is better to just glance in
passing, or stop. With our friend Samshul in the car he insisted that it would
be fine to stop. So we did!

a gathering of family and friends to celebrate the Mundan or Chadakarana

ceremony, when the baby has his first hair cut. The ceremony can take place on

the 1st, 2nd or 5th year. Once only for boy babies, but with changing times it has

become a practice for the ceremony to be done for girl babies too.

We arrived at the end of the celebrations. Lunch was coming to an end. We

were offered delicious cake. Yum. The ladies and men eat separately - above

the ladies and children.

The men were very busy packing up camp, whilst the ladies were still enjoying

themselves, talking and laughing. Gifts of tiffin tins were passed around. Had

I not been travelling with three men I could happily have joined them, taking up

the offer of henna painting on my hands. There again, with a few more miles of

bumpy roads, probably not a good idea. I can just imagine damp henna paste

decorating the inside of the car.

mattresses being loaded on a bullock cart

and back on the road, another bullock cart loaded with

rice straw.

..............................................

I've added a couple more block printing pixs to last posts. Blogging on the go,

such fun, especially when you find images are too small, no time to alter. Off

we go again, with no idea of the next wifi opportunity.

block printing at Arkola

2011-11-20T08:08:00.001Z

Castle Bijapur

2011-11-20T06:10:00.001Z

a little indulgence, for one night only

rock paintings

2011-11-18T01:48:00.001Z

A day to remember. With our guide Kukki, we set off early in the morning on a
voyage of discovery. Kukki, has been searching the land (and hills) around Bundi
since he was a boy. Apart from arrow heads, coins and bronze tools etc. etc., he
also discovered rock paintings dating from the Stone Age through to the Bronze Age.
A lovely man, and a great storyteller. We were entranced all day long. His web
site is http://kukkiworld.com/, well worth a visit.

Out from Bundi the land is very fertile, wheat, mustard growing well. The rice almost
ready for harvesting. After a while the scenery changes to a sparse landscaped,
mostly shrubs and trees. We stop and walk for ten minutes for the first 'surprise'.
A beautiful waterfall cascading down into the valley below.

A walk of 2km in the broiling heat, brought us to a smooth ledge jutting out across

the gorge. Where vultures fly. We could see their nesting/roosting sites, and,

there, above out heads were a group of vultures just gliding on the thermals. Such

a fabulous sight, especially as these birds were on the verge of extinction.

Scrambling up and down, squeezing through small gaps, negotiating thorn bushed,

we were amazed and the rock painting. We saw only a few sites, and there are

many more. A few pictures - Kukki's website has more information.

earth colour stones

on the left, a shaman - to his left a hunter with

bow and arrow (and quaking knees) below

him, a man with a lasso

a group of woman waving and shout to frighten the

animal, play the bowmen on the other side. It is

thought the women are off African appearance

On the way back we stopped on scrub land, and there beneath our feet, we could

see evidence of worked stone and agate cut into sharp blades.

The country side is the home to the Bhil people. We stopped at one of the villages

but very few people were about. Possibly working in the fields.

Bhil houses with typical decoration. I love the blue

house with the painted train.

We arrived back in Bundi early evening, very dusty, with heads

full of wondrous things. A fantastic day.

To Bundi

2011-11-17T03:40:00.001Z

via Ranthambore, to go on a tiger safari. Unlike our last visit when five tigers
were spotted, this time, apart from a pug mark, nothing. I think they have gone
on holiday.

And so to Bundi. The old city is a delight to wander through. Slightly off the
beaten track, not so many tourist make it here.

Monkeys rush down from the palace in the early morning, to return in the evening.
Then it's the turn of the bats!

Goats enjoying the morning sun

fresh mooli from the market

Kota Dori cloth being woven. Kota is the next town,

famous for the production of this cloth. Very fine cotton

scarves dupattas, and saris. Pattern or single motives

are added, woven with metallic thread.

Jaipur and beyond

2011-11-13T03:16:00.001Z

From Agra to Jaipur on a bumpy road, we arrived at Amber late afternoon to see the
elephants returning home after a busy day ferrying people to the top of Amber Fort.

The scene in the morning as the elephants gathered to start the day. At 7.30 people
were already queuing for a ride, at R950.

Not far away is the Anokhi Museum, somewhere I have tried to visit many times. Unfortunately it is a festival day and the museum closed. To the rescue - the janitor
opened the door so we could have a little peek; wonderful selection of block printed
cloth, and really fantastic display of early 70's clothing. So cool.

So, to Anokhi shop, new kurta and churidar, then for a proper cup of filtered coffee
and carrot cake. I think the only thing I really miss is my proper coffee.

Wandered around the Pink City, all hustle and bustle, taking in sights and sounds.
Caught the local bus back to Amber, many intent stares and little conversations.

Next day, on the way to Rathambhore, we stopped off at Saganer, just outside Jaipur.
Famous for it's block printing, although today is seems that screen printing is taking
over. Not so time consuming I guess.

Now that's a screen printing table - it takes a whole bolt of cloth - 30m I think.
There are two more tables either side.

On a much smaller scale - the white rolls of cotton are going through the process of
being scoured. At the back cloth hanging from a very tall drying rack. In the middle
printed dyring the sun.

Hello from India

2011-11-10T04:33:00.001Z

We've been here a week, and this is the first time I have been able to find wifi.

Arrived in Delhi early morning, checked into our hotel, had breakfast, then a rest before we hit town. So far so good. We awoke to find the hotel surrounded by policeman, bearing guns, lathi sticks etc. etc. A bit of a wake up call! It seems the new Government is investigating hotels and shops in the area to do with the building regulations (and, probably) baksheesh. 12 hotels and 5 shops were sealed that day. The poor manager was distraught, never mind the guests outside with their luggage! Eventually we found another hotel, then set off.

Delhi Metro - very clean, fast and cheap. It is also very, very crowded.

Old Delhi - Chandi Chowk and Kinari Bazaar, the place for baubles and sparkly things. Teaming with people, handcarts, and bicycle rickshaws - just enough for two to pass, Ben Hur style, hub caps sparking.

Red Fort - magnificent after the clean up for the 2010 Olympics. Security very tight, and rigorous.

Delhi - tick on to Agra

We stayed within walking distance of the Taj, and had view from our rooftop restaurant. Watch the sun set and changing colours through the haze. Fog, pollution, who knows.

Early start to be there for sunrise at 6.30am. Already crowds waiting for tickets ay 6.00am
Once inside, of course, it is fabulous. Oh yes, Andrew Marr of the BBC was taping an interview. Overheard conversation " I didn't come here to take photographs of AM"

Dawn, and nobody there!

Sunshine inside the mosque

Petra Dura - marble and gemstones

An hour or so later the Taj has changed colour into a soft buttermilk yellow

On to the wonderful Agra Red Fort

The Baby Taj*

What a ceiling

Agra - tick

Fatephur Sikri*

Built by Akbar in the 16th c, then abandoned for various reasons, depending who is telling the story. It's about 45km from Agra on our way to Jaipur. Visited seventeen years ago. It was a short stop, too many visits to emporiums, which we didn't want to go to I should say, meant time was short.

Oh, it was well worth returning. The buildings are made from red sandstone, and a wonder to the eye. If you want to see some fantastic shots, give it a month and check out Keith's webpage. Here are my little offerings!

Carved sandstone pillars

That's it for now

* I'l have to check the names!

On the road again

2011-10-31T18:51:00.000Z

Tomorrow morning, early, we leave for the airport. India here we come.

All tucked away, tidied and sorted. The house always sparkles as we leave! However, Nic of the Paper Cinema - currently in Azerbaijan as a guest of the British Counsel for the first International Puppet festival - will take up residence whilst we are away. I rather suspect that Will and Ben will also have a few days in Dorset. That's great.

An old haveli down a lane near the Chandni Chowk, Delhi

We arrive in Delhi and will make our way slowly to Udaipur. Three weeks of total bliss.

I'll post as and when, connectivity allowing.

Bye for now

Maker 42

2011-10-30T16:17:00.000Z

Sounds like something out of George Orwell's 1984 doesn't it? My very clever and talented friend, Caroline Parrott started the year with her project Create 52. The aim is to produce one item each week, based on various artists' work, using different mediums.

I was honoured that she choose me as Maker 42. The project - a shibori/indigo dyed scarf. Come the day, the brief changed slightly. A coat and felt were the ingredients. The coat dyed in indigo. Originally a pale cream with mixed fibres, not all 'natural' so it was never going to be a dark blue. The felt was dyed using Procion dyes. A fun afternoon, with cake. of course.

The result, with Caroline's signature swarm of butterflies cascading over the shoulder.

To read Caroline's record of the day, and 41 previous 'makes', go to
http://walfordmillcrafts.wordpress.com/

Caroline's fabulous website http://carolineparrott.com

2011-10-26T15:00:00.000+01:00

Preparation

2011-10-24T16:09:00.000+01:00

or getting into the zone

Actually finding time to do some hand stitching. I've made a prototype Book Bag to take with me on my travels. There will be a workshop on this next year, so it will be good to see if it stands up to the journey. Good old indigo dyed linen, sturdy enough I think.

it will hold my Kindle, my sketchbook and assorted pens and pencils

my now well traveled sketchbook cover

Time to catch up

2011-10-19T15:45:00.002+01:00

This year I wanted to be a 'different' one, and it has been. Letting go of certain deadlines to free me up a little, almost worked, but not quite. Suffice to say it has been a busy summer. Lots of workshops, meeting new friends, and taking time out to play with Ben on the beach.

Gardening, minus the tree, such a treat. Tomatoes, salads, runner beans and herbs this year. Next year we should have proper veg garden, yum.

The Blog has been a little neglected of late, probably better that than me just rambling!

Last Saturday I was invited as a 'trader' to a certain textile related AGM. I loaded up my baskets and boxes with goodies from India, indigo and procion dyed fabrics and threads.

A bit of a biggy for me, usually the Emporium only appears when I take workshops.

Dyed felt squares

The speaker's car broke down, and I was persuaded to give a talk on travels in India.

Unaccustomed as I am (!) In fact it was great not to have the prop of computer and projector. I did have two lovely pieces on my table, it was just a matter of deconstructing the display.

details from a Rabari quilt

detail from Rabari dowery bag

It seems to be that September/October heralds the end of my year. Summer workshops finished. There is a little nip in the air, and frost is forecast for tonight - surely not.

Time to think of flying in an easterly direction.

It's too cold for an indigo vat. Poles, buckets, clamps etc all tidied away.

Paperwork caught up with, included the dreaded Tax Return form. Tickets bought,

visas' awaited. Then we're off at the beginning of November for three whole weeks.

Thanks to all who visited the Indigo Shop. On my return I intend to set up a web site.
I will have a little more time. I do have a little stock of indigo dyed fabric.

There will be coloured fabric and yarn, and perhaps a little corner for choice pieces from the Emporium. Must write up my shopping list.

works in progress

2011-10-04T15:35:00.000+01:00

Two lovely pieces from Saturday's Kantha workshop

Karen's elephant

Sarah's spider

2011-09-29T17:00:00.002+01:00

Monsoon Elephant - a wall painting from Junagarh Fort, Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Streaks of lightening, and a many 'trunked' elephant? Looks like bad weather ahead.

We have had too many monsoon type days here over the last six weeks. Now, as

September comes to a close, amazingly blue skies, sunshine with temperatures to match. Just what we need.

The last workshop here on Saturday. The gazebo will be erected, as as a sunshade this

time, so if/when the conservatory gets too hot, we can sit outside, stitching kantha.

2011-09-19T18:36:00.000+01:00

It was an ominous start to the day. The heavens opened around 7 am.

It got better. We assembled, myself and six students under the green

marque, ready to start the indigo weekend. A lot of stitching, pole

wrapping, clamping etc. cloth being prepared for the vat in the

afternoon. The sun came out, lovely. It wasn't hot. The vat was

insulated with newspaper. Beautiful blues.

Oh dear, it got worse. Monsoon rain during Sunday night, Grey skies

first thing. We decided to decamp to The Loft, only three flights up

the old Mill. We could have been at the Ritz! The facilities were

100% better that outside. It was dark in the tent, and still it rained.

Everyone busy getting cloth ready to dye. Timing was the thing.

It was cold. It was still raining, but the vat had to be made. Oh, what

fun! Finding enough hot water, and then the deepest puddle!

Rearranging tent to get vat and washing line inside. However,

come 2 pm the dyeing session declared open, and, hola, the

sun appeared. Although a bit soggy and damp, more wonderful

blues produced. A snippet of pixs

lovely pole wrapping

a very old silk wrap. originally peach, pink,

and a bit of blue. now look at it. I want one

I think we deserve an Indigo Endurance Medal.

So, thanks to all for sticking with it.

This morning was spend sorting soggy things.

Clothes pegs sitting in about an inch of water.

The vat and pipes are still in the garden waiting to

be cleaned. Think I'll wait until the sun comes out!

I found this on the path

a sign of autumn for sure

Comment - Celia has a post on the workshop, through a students eye.
You might like to visit her blog.

blue into green

2011-09-15T17:00:00.000+01:00

Still here, too busy to blog, and not a lot to blog about to be honest.

The month is full of workshops, so lots to prepare. Last week we had

a taste of winter - cold, dull and rainy. The nights are drawing in; I had a birthday,

and thoughts of the end of summer made me a tad introspective.

This weekend a two day indigo workshop. We will be rust dyeing. A few new

samples made - above indigo over dyed with iron water. Colour stripping

indigo back to white with printing blocks, or whatever comes to hand.

I'll be teaching at the Mill during the Create weekend. Lots of makers and

demonstrations. Too many wonderful things, I think feel a little retail

therapy coming on.

2011-09-02T17:30:00.000+01:00

details of Banjara belt

Banjara panel

colours by Frida Kahlo

stitched on indigo dyed linen, using threads to hand

having just read an article on the artist I seem to have

unconsciously picked up a Mexican colour theme.

2011-08-30T17:58:00.001+01:00

August Bank Holiday Monday means Cultural Day at The Mill.

This year Chinese Day. Cooking demons, the Lion Dance,

story telling, Tai Chi etc. etc, plus workshops for children.

I decided on printing flags, on a Chinese theme of course!

I had to bone up a bit on this one, discovered that Pagodas

originated from Bhuddist Stupas, amongst other facts.

Obviously dragons feature a lot, as do lions. Since I was

cutting the stamps I thought these would prove a little

tricky, and then remembered it was the Year of the Rabbit.

Oh, we did have fun - over fifty flags made by children

from 3 to 12. All a bit frantic so no photos.

Before I put all the workshop stuff away I though I

should print off a few of the stamps

which are still useable(!) for my record.

Spots ready for colouring

Bamboo also turned in to palms trees!
There were three stamps for the leaves,
only one left with a missing leaf, still it
gives an idea of the whole

Nose and whiskers optional

Moving on

2011-08-25T16:12:00.000+01:00

The summer dyeing workshops are over for this year.

Except for an Indigo Weekend in September,

although I guess that comes under Autumn!

For the next few weeks I will be taking stitching

workshops all over the West Country, and then

I will have time to catch up on my own work.

October/November usually means India. Oh,

I am getting itchy feet, but will have to wait until

February. The good news is that we will be

taking a whole month off! Hurrah!

Yesterday I was a guest tutor at an Embroidery

course. Years ago I taught a short course C&G on

machine embroidery. Old files, notes and samples

retrieved and dusted down. Subject - Thermogauze,

or, as we called it in the 20th c, Vanishing Muslin.

After revisiting notes, deciding there were enough

samples, I just had to get into the grove.

made of silk sari pieces, woven and laid on

Thermogauze, then stitched with the addition

of recycled sari thread. It's very raggy! A little

block printing to complete the process.

a silky flag with gaps between the strips.

The stabilizer held it altogether for

stitching, then it was gone.

my little Indian flag, to wave in the wind

The workshop was great, and as I left at lunchtime

I could see some amazing work being produced.

2011-08-17T18:08:00.000+01:00

The season is slowly but perceptively changing. The nights are

drawing in and today, the last of the Summer Workshops for children.

Blue, blue, all is blue, including myself at the moment. Still have to

store the workshop equipment, including the indigo bucket.

Indigo under a gazebo, as the white clouds covered the sun.

So great revealing the magic of indigo cloth, and then the mad

dash to dip and discover.

I managed to grab a couple of pix during the mayhem.

Nice pieces of clamping and manipulation

I think these are amazing

two best friends managed to

produce matching t-shirts

My last indigo workshop at home this weekend.

Never mind, there is always next year!

2011-08-16T13:30:00.000+01:00

a package has arrived for me

so many labels

wrapped in blue plastic

and it's taller than me

but what's this?

explosive materials?

no, it's only silk velvet and muslin - I think!

perhaps I should take it out into the garden

and prod it with a long stick. Ha, ha!

indigo harvest

2011-08-15T18:24:00.000+01:00

the 'bunch of grapes' after a dip in the indigo vat

ne-maki, or thread bound circles

both these pieces are now on their way to Australia

bon voyage

my photographic session came to a swift end,

a goodly dollop of rain. However, I managed one

more shot before I had to dash inside

a smallish piece surfaced from the indigo basket

another dip in the vat lost the white I like this

effect - dark blue with lighter blue - might have

a special use for this particular piece

2011-08-14T16:37:00.000+01:00

shibori harvest time,

ripe for the picking

hanging out

2011-08-11T10:53:00.003+01:00

A small kantha from Dhaka, Bangladesh

You can enlarge the image.

I first thought these might be ladies, note
the possible green bra. There again, perhaps
musicians! On the left a dole drum, middle
looks like a percussion instrument. Jury is
still out on the right hand figure.

home again

2011-08-08T14:10:00.001+01:00

A too short, but lovely break. Very Cornish weather!

In the right order, it rained during the night and the

days were warm with amazing skies.

The view from the rooftop restaurant at Tate St. Ives.

Slightly moody, taken through glass, with reflection of moi!

The actual colours so amazing. White sand going down

to a turquoise and bright blue sea.

Young Ben tucking into olive bread at

Jamie Oliver's restaurant, Watergate Bay.

A treat for me

A bit indigo, don't you think!

Busy days on the beach, watching boats in the

harbour. The odd pastie or two consumed.

My big grandson Sam and his group opened

Falmouth festival. Their first proper gig, and they

were fantastic - well I would say that wouldn't I.

blog break

2011-08-02T18:03:00.001+01:00

Tomorrow I will join my men in Cornwall.

Where we are staying is more a 'not' spot

than a 'hot' spot. A few days to wind down,

a bit of beach combing and looking in rock pools.

The shop will be open for business on Monday.

Meanwhile the elephant lilly

It looks like a helicopter, waiting to take off.

Five more flower heads emerging, slowly.

I'm impressed. Note to plant, please wait

for the full display until I get home.

Life without The Tree

2011-07-31T17:37:00.000+01:00

Amazing. The garden is blooming, as never seen before. Yesterday the

first handful of runner beans picked, yum. We have more salad leaves

than we can cope with. And, as for herbs, the hanging containers made

by my man, are a jungle. Oh, glorious. It's going to be a busy autumn,

a vegetable plot to be designed - thinking of all the lovely things we

can now plant and enjoy.

Three prongs, the one on the right is an elephant lilly flower.

I've been waiting for two years for this to happen!

A glorious Globe Thistle

The herb garden, with stray tomato plant

that I haven't got the heart to pull out.

Last weekend I held an Indigo workshop here. Downside of minus

tree is the conservatory gets too hot, so a gazebo made a nice

outside room. Such a perfect day, hot enough to keep the vat

a perfect temperature. Goodness knows how much yardage

was dyed, the washing line was pretty full.

So what with keeping up with the gardening, taking classes,

dyeing threads, a couple of social events, it's been a very busy week.

August brings children's workshops at The Mill. First two at the

beginning of next week. Then we take a short break in

Cornwall. Really looking forward to that. Hoping that the

elephant lily flower will hang on 'til we get back!

Meanwhile, we need rain.

Red on Blue

2011-07-19T18:17:00.000+01:00

Sitting in my room, looking at the indigo drying in the sun,

I noticed one of the flower spikes from the crocosmia plant

found its way through the cloth on the line. Such a contrast.

It made me smile.

Dyeing blue

2011-07-19T16:18:00.000+01:00

in soft warm rain

Happy Friday

2011-07-15T13:32:00.001+01:00

I received a beautiful flower arrangement, won in

a raffle. Sunflowers, marigolds and spiky

lime green chrysanthemums.

Gorgeous.

Update

2011-07-13T18:34:00.000+01:00

Well, it seems Blogger has upated itself. New clean layout - just have

to check where everything is.

Meanwhile, I have updated my shop. It's all happening.

I have added images of patterns on indigo cloth. Whilst I will still

have sample packs available, you now have the option of ordering

larger pieces of cloth - just contact me with inquiries.

I have included shisha and two kinds of shell buttons.

Can you tell the difference?

The mirrors on the left are sold in India as embroidery glass.

They are very bright, perfectly round and thick. Not good

for mirror work since they do not lay well on cloth. Usually

found on 'tourist' textiles. Inevitably you will be told that

the 'real' ones are not made any more - rubbish!

Real shisha, which means mirror in Hindi, are made from

blown and silvered glass. The glass is broken in to small

pieces and further cut into smaller pieces. The appearance

is duller, the edges certainly not round, and they are very

thin. When stitched to cloth the mirror sits very flat.

Finally, there are two packs of dyed fine cotton thread.

Limited additions! I did find it difficult to get a good colour

representation, but there is a description which I hope helps.

I will be dyeing more thread over the next few days.

Different colours! It was only when I placed the photos of

the threads under the baskets holding the mirrors etc. that

I noticed a similarity. Not intentional, but a bit spooky!

Summer Time

2011-07-06T10:21:00.000+01:00

....... and the living is easy. So, life takes over. Not a lot of stitching

going on, or much else really. Just enjoying the weather - evening meals

on the balcony, so nice to sit outside and chill out with good company,

good food, wine, plus lots of candles. Could be on holiday. Then visits

from Mr. Ben and Will. Days on the beach - the first steps into the sea.

Hmmm ....... that needs thinking about. Sand castles and moats;

collecting shells; kicking a ball.

Updating the shop has been on the agenda for a while.

It's high on the list for next week. Might be going into

colour with some of these

and adding some Indian embellishments - shisha,

tiny shell buttons and a few beads etc.

A few hectic days ahead, including a Greek evening for a

group of friends. Then, it's out with the dye pots, reviving

the indigo vat, gathering some stitching for moments

in the sun - and updating the shop!

Seen in a Dorset field

2011-07-01T16:24:00.001+01:00

Last evening, English summer warm, we spent at a Corporate

event, as 'helpers' to The Paper Cinema. A mini Glastonbury.

areas for sleeping, eating, and music and, oh yes, team building.

Nic and Imogen performed along side The

Imagination Village. The show was brilliant. It became very

cold, so we left - rather glad to be going home to a proper bed,

in a house, not a field.

Delegates from all over the world, camping (nice tents)

I hope so too

Blank

2011-06-22T17:41:00.001+01:00

You know how it is. Very, very busy turns into free time for

a while. Brain goes into stall, it's grey outside, and I can't

be bothered to do anything at all.

Did a bit of tidying, caught up on paperwork, oh so boring.

Fiddled around with some design work for a future project.

Pasted gathered interesting bits into journal, got all gluey.

Then ............... I got out the paper and paints, made a

glorious creative mess, and feel a lot better for it.

Some painted papers to add to the collection.

and there's more drying

nothing like a bit of colour to brighten the day

Total eclipse

2011-06-20T16:08:00.000+01:00

Last Wednesday a total eclipse of the moon.
Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics said that at
21.20 we should be able to see a totally eclipsed
moon, which is asking a lot. Especially as it
would be just above the horizon.

I didn't. Cloudy skies. Thursday night the moon was
there in all it's glory, and orange to boot. Boo hoo!

Enter a very visible Mr. Ben, down for a couple of
fun packed days, accompanied by his Daddy.

A dyeing workshop here on Saturday, in colour.
A really good day, despite the rain hammering on
the roof. Dyed velvet and muslin for scarves,
and the odd bit of shibori going on as well.

It's been a busy time. Now I have a week
to myself. I'm looking forward to that.

on the line

2011-06-13T16:46:00.000+01:00

At least 10c warmer and no rain. Brilliant.

Perfect for the vat. Yardage of indigo dyed

cotton and velvet drying in the afternoon sun.

Between dips I even managed a little gardening.

Potting up plants and drying out those sitting in

trays full of rain water.

Same again tomorrow I think.

change in the weather

2011-06-12T11:17:00.000+01:00

High winds, scudding clouds, not so warm, but welcomed

rain for the garden. Today lashing of rain and grey skies.

However, tomorrow and Tuesday promises better 'indigo'

weather. Last week the muse hibernated.

In between catching up on necessary household tasks,

ironing basket now empty, I found a shibori 'doodle, to stitch.

The last dregs

2011-06-02T15:01:00.000+01:00

Flat dyeing in the sunshine

the last of the dyes, fabric in three layers

I shall let them sit in the warmth til the evening

some coloured cloth for the Indian Applique

workshop this weekend

what lays underneath the plastic?

hmmm ............ interesting.

Into the dye pots

2011-06-01T09:35:00.000+01:00

Topping up my stock of yarn. The pinks/yellows yesterday.

The heat was great for dyeing, giving really bright colours.

Batched in cling film which almost melted.

Fabric to be stitched, tied, wrapped etc. A new indigo

vat on Friday. What an amazing indigo summer.

Recycle and Renew

2011-05-30T12:02:00.000+01:00

It's dull and damp outside. Time to do some stitching and

dust down my sewing machine.

First up, I renewed a pocket on my man's favorite shorts.

A mere fifteen years old - bought on a trip to Australia.

Stitched a loose pocket on his camera bag.

Yesterday a little skip dipping to retrieve these baskets.

Resting over the bath after a wash down under the shower.

Woven willow, possibly posh kitchen drawers. Too good to ignore.

An old Indian block printed cover, now a little 'ripe' as we say

here in Dorset. Faded in the sun, but still good enough to recycle.

Bags to store fabric for dyeing. There's organised.

Almost lunch time, but first a tidy up ready for this afternoon.

I have a basket full of dyed cotton scrapes that will be made

into a quilt top. Something to have on hand when I am not

in the dye pots - a little slow stitching.

Time Out

2011-05-25T16:41:00.001+01:00

in the garden - and checking out my Happy Wednesday present,

a Lumix camera - the macro setting is pretty good!

A little light weeding, dead heading and thinking time.

A Fishy Tale

2011-05-23T14:55:00.000+01:00

or, an epic in the telling

Last week, over two days, I helped make a rather large fish

from water bottles, corks and other recycled bits for The

Great Rinising. A story of water, or lack of. It takes place at

The Pump house, in the future when water is scarce.

Ancient stories of garden hoses and hot water bottles.

A production by Wimborne Community Theatre at the

beginning of July - see http://stateofplayarts.co.uk

The concept of Theater Designer Pip Nash, it started like this

Bottles were attached to the main frame, nasty teeth in the

front, and embellished with odds and ends,

the top of the spine

Jenny adding the finishing touches

ready for walkies

past amazed visitors to the Mill

over the River Allen bridge, stopping traffic

turning left on to a country lane

almost there

The wonderful Victorian Pump House

in the background

and relax

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