Saturday, March 30

What happened to March?

The month has flown by. I've been in Ahmedabad, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dunbar and Sedbergh as well as the rather closer Hawick, Galashiels, Jedburgh and Smailholm, either participating in an event or attending one. And I've managed to make a little new stock for HQ and am halfway through sprucing the caravan up so that I can move my work back into it (now that it's finally above zero at some points in the day).

While I was away I dabbled with some of the photographs I took in Kutch. Here's a small selection of tarted-up images.

 not my yarn, but I could have given it a good home
 one of the resident dogs in the early morning sun at Khamir
 my supplies, beside the loom I used at Khamir

 Ahmedabad rooftop
 one of many weird sights in the Prag Mahal in Bhuj
mud wall decoration in museum in Bhuj

Meanwhile, I am gathering essential kit to continue with the dyeing that I was doing in Kutch. An indigo vat and shibori work are on the cards. Would be so nice if I could have sunshine and do the messy stuff in the open air but that's a wish too far, I think

Thursday, March 14

Country Mouse goes to Town

 
From Hawick to Glasgow and Edinburgh and then Galashiels over the next four days.
Tonight it's the third Indian Inspired community workshop at Borders Textile Towerhouse, where we are all embroidering bright and cheerful squares to assemble into a bold banner quilt. Until you've tried it, you have no idea how much fun grown women (and a few men) can have with sequins!

Tomorrow is the start of a ReSIde gathering where Jeni, Swati, Murji and I are all hitting Glasgow to see some talented contemporary textile artists and designers, and then sample the delights of a well known Indian restaurant...

On Saturday I am whizzing back to Edinburgh to participate in the first ever Edinburgh Yarn Festival. It's shaping up to be a tremendous event with masses of quality makers and sellers, and I am really looking forward to it. From 10 till 5 at the Out of the Blue, just off Leith Walk.

Back to Glasgow in the evening to catch up with the others, then more culture on Sunday which will include a tour of Glasgow School of Art's iconic Mackintosh-designed buildings.

Home again Sunday night then we're off to Galashiels on Monday for an all day workshop with the art class at the Academy!

Monday, March 4

All things bright and beautiful

A wee burst of colour for y'all! 
As I gradually get myself and my textile haul sorted out I will post up more images both here and on Tart's Travels. But first a taster from the last month's travels.

A close up of some exuberant Kutchi embroidery
 The scene in Shakil Khatri's batik workshop. 
A great pile of luscious prints, still thick with wax
And a great new scarf from Murji which I had to have.
Can't be sad with colours like these!