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!