Temporary workstation

Yesterday, Dyeing Day workshop.  Alas, grey and damp, or a

 'soft day' as they say in Scotland.  No indigo vats to go, 

although  there were glorious splashes, unintended or not,

 of colour with Procion dye.  Probably the best way to 

spend a gloomy summer Saturday - with friends, students,

 plus pots of dye.

So, still energized after our Greek sojourn, I awoke bright and 

early ready to dismantle my workroom for some necessary

refreshment, and refurbishment.  Some bits in conservatory, 

the rest covered with dust sheets, in situ.

Pictures removed, holes in walls filled.  Up early tomorrow 

to carry on the good work.  It will be grand when it is done!

Meanwhile, I have my 'new' work area to play in whilst waiting

for the paint to dry.

Back home

A fond farewell to Naxos and Greece.  Yesterday so hot, 

seeking shade.

A five hour ferry trip to Pireaus, soaking up the sun whilst we can.

A picnic on board, juicy and tasty tomatoes, local cheese, olives,

liberated Greek basil, bread from the local bakery, yum. 

Today, washing and ironing (lots of brownie points).  Good old UK.  

You leave and miss a heat wave.  You return and it's back to

 the grey, with the bonus of the garden, despite said heat 

wave, very green and in desperate need of weeding, grass 

cutting etc.  Temperature difference at least 15c.   

One good reason for tackling the laundry - hot and steamy.

  

A boat trip

As a change from just lazing around we took a day trip

on the Naxos Star, visiting Iraklia (pop.151) and

Koufounisia (pop. 366) - islands of the Small Cyclades.

We were accompanied on our voyage by dolphins.

Golden bays of sand, natural harbours, small white box 

houses, naturally painted white with deep blue windows.

Not many older houses around the bay, although

evidence of what would have been a different life

in the past.

Then there is always the sea.

Fishing boats

and peeps of the clear turquoise waters

 Home tomorrow

Boat

Thick Greek Blue paint curling in the sun

Thin layer of rust brown, overlaying that Greek Blue again

Pink and orange

All colours and textures found on this old boat, slowly

decaying (beautifully).

lazy days

Three days in and we have spent really lazy days,

resting, swimming and sunbathing.  No stitching

involved.  My hands are gradually looking dye free.

Lots of reading.  One book read - The Return by

Victoria Hislop.  Thoroughly recommended.

Today we actually managed some exercise.

We walked a mile along the coast to Agia Anna.

A little harbour, lots of fishing boats, tavernas,

and golden beaches.  The sea is turquoise,

and deep blue, with shades of light olive.

Nice combo - hmm shibori.  

A fine selection of shells - I particularly like the icons.

(but will one fine it's way to the UK? Can I resist?)

Another day with the dyes

Dyeing days - Part III.  

Friends 'making a mess at my place'.  Lots of shibori and Procion 

dyeing going on. Homework done, stitched pieces ready 

to go.  Gorgeous day - dye pots set out for action. 

There was plenty of that, plus a bit of tray dyeing, screen 

printing, and anything else that came to mind.   We had a blast.

Come mid day, the weather being absolutely perfect, 

an indigo vat prepared.  

Hilary, these prints look gorgeous.

At the end of the day, vat still productive, Mr. R. even felt 

the need to refresh his wardrobe.

Mr. R  and I are now going to throw some cloths in suitcases,

and tomorrow fly off to Athens.  Early morning ferry to Naxos,

and relax.   Which is good - my hands (and feet) are somewhat

splattered with dye, so I will come back refreshed and cleansed!

Take ninety squares of fabric

Add thirty children, around about age 6.

Divide the group into two.  Dye up the

squares.   Pleating, flag folding and

scruching.     Have cup of tea.

the washing

the ironing

Another day in the Marquee at Walford Mill.  It must be summer.  

As part of a local School visit - sixty children in all, working 

with artists.  Other activities included making a self portrait 

wooden figure, and papier mache bird heads.   These looked 

pretty amazing laid out on the grass, drying and then to be painted.

My next task is to make all the little flags into bunting.