Thursday 18 June 2015

shades of

the remains of Saturday's indigo vat



it didn't rain
could have been warmer
still a garden of blue at the end of the day

today the vat has revived itself
it's hot, hot, out there
so I can give this a couple more dips



it doesn't look too exciting does it?!!!

I bought about ten pieces of Khadi cloth from a small shop in Wagwam
to the surprise of everyone    why would I want so many dusters?
Khadi cloth is hand spun cotton which is then hand woven
the cloth is really chunky and gorgeous, and yes it took the dye well

I only brought a couple of pieces home with me, the rest are in a
cupboard at Samshu's house, waiting their fate either as dusters or.......




found in my Chinese steamer, dried acanthus flowers




finished    my therapy quilt,  Dentil

Dentil n. architecture


one of a series of rectangular blocks projecting like teeth 
from a moulding or beneath a cornice 

Ha, ha.   The dentist is my new 'best friend'  
in between appointments hand stitching was very comforting, and now it's done

one or two appointments to go
I feel another quilt coming on

Monday 8 June 2015

fun in the sun

This last week the sun has been shining, there has been a little rain to make the garden grow, and an occasional day without the chilling wind from the northeast!

The first of three indigo workshops takes place on Saturday, fingers crossed that the weather stays fine      in warmer climes at least you can be sure for at least nine months it's always a perfect temperature for an indigo vat.

All this reminded me of our visit to Arkola to see our block printing friends.  My camera battery died, step in the professional, Mr. R, with a spare camera.   Marvellous.




a vegetable stall on the left  on the right bullock carrying felled tree(s)

I looked left - stop the car!



an old indigo vat


sign of many years usage  the building behind is being renovated
I suspect this wonderful vat will soon disappear

meanwhile, next door


a lovely lady at her treadle sewing machine
the cupboard behind is piled up with quilts


through the centre of the village block printed fabric is drying in the sun



at our printer friends the indigo vats are ready to go



dyed cloth being resisted - that's difficult!
bandani of course



a group photo, taken by Mr. R obviously,
I'm looking happy especially after a little retail therapy followed
by chai and a delicious cake

If you are interested in one of the indigo workshops, contact me

finally, a photo that nearly got away
it's from our nine hour train trip from Bhuj to Palanpur
as mentioned in my post (26.02.15) there was never a dull moment


everyone was so friendly and very inquisitive
the seating is just one up from wooden seats 

I think this was taken very early in the morning as I am
still well wrapped up - we started our journey at 6.30am
the benches hold four people, in theory, though usually eight
are accommodated    for the family party there is always the 
luggage racks to stretch out on, never mind all the bags
and baggage

Good idea to sit on a single seat?   Forward thinking!