Applique

At the Tilonia bazaar last week I bought this gorgeous applique bedspread.

Skillfully made by women artisans in the Barmer region of Rajasthan.The Algerian Eye stitch which looks like little stars are sprinkled all over the bedspread. Each bouquet of flowers with a zig zag border must have been made by different artisans because the density of the Algerian Eye Stitch varies from square to square.
                
Then I saw these cushion covers and I had to have them as well.

I picked a camel and a horse.There were elephants and peacocks but I couldn't find any as beautifully made as these two. Next time I'll go on the first day.   

Starting this week I'm going to be teaching Indian embroidery to an evening class and applique will be one of the topics dealt with so these cushion covers will come in  as handy examples. The bedspread will be too bulky to carry.

Have a good week.  

Specialisation is for Insects

This quote ought to be everybody's mantra in life.
If only this quote could be used as a guide in one's approach to life instead of following what is prescribed  because of a person's gender, social status, age, religious belief etc.
The prescribed life is a sad one which perpetuates discrimination, stereotypes, corruption and a warped sense of entitlement all modeled on the caste system. The caste system has been abolished then why do we create a system for ourselves which hems us in. Avenues to explore new ideas and to grow and blossom in an area of ones choosing are shunned for those which are merely sources of money and possessions.    
Follow your heart, live a little people. Sigh! I feel privileged because I've done what I want to do by choice and lightning hasn't struck me down. One is told there are dire consequences if you don't toe the line served up with generous helpings of emotional blackmail.
 All bunkum. Do your thing follow your heart get involved with living life. You'll be a better person.

Cotton fabric dyed with coffee.This is the reverse of the embroidery. 

This is a work in progress.

Have  a good weekend.  

Africa inspired throws

My trip to Tanzania in August inspired these patchwork throws. A small group of women in North Karnataka made these hand sewn throws with noil silk cut offs from Plantation House.    

 Indian Ocean. The blues of the ocean and the soft white sand. It's magical in Zanzibar. R and I sat and watched the colours of the water change as the tide came in and the sun
made its journey across the skies to finally set. Absolutely spectacular.

 Masai. The Masai wrapped in their red blankets, so dramatic in the golden brown Savannah.

 The savannah in Tanzania. Browns and golds and the blue sky. Serengeti - the endless plains with the odd acacia tree I've never experienced such wide open spaces before and seen such exotic animals.

Spice Market. The colourful market in Zanzibar,the different colours of the produce and the awnings protecting the shops from the sun inspired this throw.

  

Spice Market. The colourful market in Zanzibar,the different colours of the produce and the awnings protecting the shops from the sun inspired this throw I used lungis. A lungi is a woven  cotton fabric which is usually checked and worn by men in India like a sarong. Currently this Bollywood song has made the humble lungi top of the charts.
The throws are reversable and are generously sized rectangular lounge throws 74" x 48".

The show at Madder Moon was a thumping success. Some pieces of my work sold which has me so excited. I now have to find more venues and galleries which will show my work. If like me you find yourself  wondering where you can find an audience for you work there's good advise to be found here.

Have a good weekend.