I'd rather be in India

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

If there's a problem, press here, here and here

What a difference

2011-05-22T17:50:00.001+01:00

Yesterday Chris, Jill, Babs, Eleanor and Catherine came along

to the experimental block printing workshop. It was a great day.

All sorts of objects were experimented with. I managed to

grab a few photos before the end of the day. Little Indian

printing blocks seem to be the favorite tool here. So many

more great prints over the day. Ideas whizzing about.

Experiments on paper

several colours on the stamping pad

design ideas - elements for a bag

then direct on to fabric

a calico bag given a wash of dilute paint

and then stamped - an African feel with

Indian print blocks - interesting

prints to be utilized in a quilt

and something different - blocks made from foam and

soft board.

A lovely light in the conservatory for working. The day was warm

in the morning, but, goodness, in the afternoon the heat

All windows and doors open, one student decamped to a

table outside. Methinks a fan might be a necessary purchase!

Where did the week go?

2011-05-20T13:29:00.000+01:00

A chaotically different week. Indigo shop parcels sent hither

and thither. Two days working on a community theater

project which involved constructing a 15 ft fish from

recycled water bottles. Pictures later when I get time to

sort them out. Dyeing, mainly blue, not as colourful as this

turban cloths drying in the sun, viewed from

Meherangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Now I am preparing for an Experimental Block printing workshop

here tomorrow. I wonder if the students will notice that the huge

chestnut tree next door is no more. The tree surgeon did the deed

yesterday. We are now flooded with light at the back of the house.

What a difference. Plans are being hatched for the autumn.

Our garden of shade loving plants will be transformed.

A vegetable plot, fantastic. A new greenhouse. I have

negotiated shed space for the indigo vat, so all is well.

A splash of colour

2011-05-14T17:01:00.000+01:00

Early morning shadows.

It's around 6.30 am and I am preparing for

a dyeing workshop in the conservatory.

Students arrive, and there is a lot of shibori

happening, plus batik. Nice pieces I think

will emerge after rinsing and washing.

Now they have all gone home with their little

parcels, and wrapped poles. I have a very

creative mess to clear.

Amongst the newspapers I found this - a nice bit of batik.

There might be more buried treasures, who knows?

Better get back to the clearing up.

From the wax pot

2011-05-11T13:46:00.000+01:00

Just for a change

brush strokes

lines

and spots

on each piece a dark indigo background,

the marks are medium and light. By

design, of course!

In the garden

2011-05-09T09:16:00.000+01:00

Wonderful thunder and lightening storm, and great dollops of rain,

during Saturday night, Just what the garden needed. But first,

I dyed up some threads

recycled my hairy string

then, planted up herbs, and this

Excuse me while I check the spelling on the plant label.

It's an osteospermum. Beautiful colours. Think I might

need more of these.

Job done

2011-05-06T16:16:00.000+01:00

If you look at the right hand column you will see this.

As if by magic, one click will take you to my new shop.

So, not only have I been enjoying indigo dyeing, I have

been sitting side by side with my man who kindly gave

me a page on his web. What a nice chap. Another

huge learning curve! So, it's out there.

Any hints, tips or suggestions gratefully received.

Bound and unbound

2011-05-01T11:24:00.000+01:00

different sorts of 'circles'

bound with thread which gives an organic shape

then

bound with marbles - it looks like a fabric sculpture

result

different shapes altogether - some look like little trees,

others like flowers

Now, a big thank you to Jude Hill who has added

me to her resource page. I am honoured to be included

along with the other incredible artists. Gosh!

So...... over the next few days I will give my store a

makeover and add my new indigo collection.

Indigo intermission

2011-04-30T09:45:00.000+01:00

Uncovered - Banjara blocks,

hiding in a basket.

I just love these little pieces. They are completely

covered in hand stitching, not a peep of foundation

fabric. Top right is about 4" square, stitched with

chain and close herringbone stitch, with the

addition of tiny white beads.

Pole wrapping

2011-04-27T16:58:00.000+01:00

Indigo sessions still ongoing. An hour or two every day,

preparing cloth in between times. The vat is a good one,

producing some very nice cloth.

Samples of pole wrapping

very fine

wrapped with hairy string

the back is interesting too

It's late afternoon, the vat is ready to go again and I just had

to prepare another piece for hairy pole wrapping.

off to the blue yonder

Blue

2011-04-22T16:28:00.000+01:00

blue flowers

blue vat

set up in the 'blue house'. This morning was warm and bright,

then cloudy - would there be a thunder storm? Just in case,

I chose to set the vat under cover. When I finished for the day

the temp inside was hot, hot, hot, and not a cloud in the sky.

at the end of the day

still doing their thing on the washing line

I have a pile of stitched, bound and wrapped cloth to sort

in the morning. Also dyed were six damask table cloths,

plus two vintage linen cloths, with embroidery and lace.

I like this

One vintage cloth on the line. The lace is over the line.

Nice image with the sun shinning through the cloth.

Despite trying not to get covered in indigo, I did, especially

my feet. Will I ever learn? Probably not. Out with the

scrubbing brush, we have been invited out tonight.

e is for elephant

2011-04-18T09:55:00.002+01:00

Last week I spent most of the time just stitching.

A small bag for a workshop in September at Hansons,

Sturminster Newton. The first thought was machine

applique, though this could be a problem for students

not familiar with free machine work. This little project

will take a while, and there is absolutely nothing wrong

with that, except sometimes students want to go

home with a finished project. Not possible!

Hours of enjoyment ahead.

Freezer paper applique, ages since I have been so

precise, really works well with this little elephant

shape. The whole bag is covered in hand stitching,

one shisha makes an appearance and lots of sequins.

It's finished off with a strap and tassels. Ready to go,

but first I must write up instructions.

Next up stitching cloth for the Indigo vat. The sun

programmed to shine and the temperature is perfect.

Must take advantage this week, the weather might

just change, after all we have Easter weekend, then

The Wedding, plus two Bank Holiday Mondays.

All events add up to a recipe for a downpour of

the wet stuff.

On Saturday it was the first of the summer workshops.

Last year students requested a workshop on getting to know

your sewing machine. Such a voyage of discovery!

Now to grab a length of cloth, needle and thread.

Spring

2011-04-10T07:56:00.000+01:00

and with it comes the usual desire to clean and discard

It was a hard winter although, amazingly, the garden is bursting out

all over. All the plants are putting on a grand show, maybe in

celebration of the turning of the season. The weather is fabulous,

too nice to stay indoors. I spent most of last week weeding,

tidying, enjoying the spring flowers, and noticing the new

new growth all around. Repotting my orchids, a job that

really needed doing - they are looking very happy now.

Then there are the car boot sales. Grand to be sitting in a field.

in the sun, selling 'stuff' we have inherited over the years.

There's the bone chine tea set that belonged to Keith's grandmother.

It lived in a cupboard, waiting for a special occasion. Over the years,

in different cupboards, the tea set came to rest, in a cardboard

box, in our garage. It has never seen the light of day, let alone

a splash of tea, or a crumb of cake. It was bought by a

gentleman who is getting married in the summer. The

reception is to be a 'Mad Hatters' tea party. What a great

idea, and what fun for the lonely tea set.

The house and garage feel 'lighter' already. I dream of

finding even more stuff to get rid off. Having said that, the

Big Shed has enough full cardboard boxes to keep us in

in car boot sales for weeks.

I am pleased to say that, thus far, I have only made one

purchase - a beautiful old garden trug. That's not to say this

will be my only buy. Trying not to investigate other people's

tables is a tough one! One man's junk is another's treasure etc.

So.......another sunny day in a field.

A light bulb moment

2011-03-31T09:14:00.000+01:00

Yes, you can fix Procion dyes on paper. Thinking about it, rather

than just diving in in the heat of the moment, it became somewhat

obvious. Soda ash. I'm pleased about this discovery, now those

old dyes can be used, fixed, pasted on paper without bleeding.

I placed paper on plastic, wetted it with soda ash solution, then

dripped dyes. Left over night to dye, the next problem was how

to wash out. Answer, place on tray, hold the tray diagionally,

pour water over paper until it runs clear. I then put a little

Synthrapol in water water to wash over paper. May be this

last bit is not necessary?!! Anyway, it's worked for me.