Why is it every time I think of an indigo vat, the lyrics “Can’t you smell that smell?” pop out of my mouth? Assuredly, Lynyrd Skynyrd was not referring to indigo in his song. But here I was at the … Read the rest
ClothRoads Scarf of the Month: Traveling Blocks in Weaving
May 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment
What better combination is there than naturally-dyed silk and a simple weaving structure? If you’ve been following my ClothRoads scarf of the month, you’ve probably noticed a trend—I like simple, yet intriguing, hand woven structures. Ones that beg for a … Read the rest
Seductive Silk Meets Jeweled Stripes
June 1, 2012 by 1 Comment
Being on a textile adventure in one of the most desirable weaving spots of the world, there’s simply no time to waste in seeking out handwoven, artisan-made silk scarves and other accessories. I didn’t have far to go from the … Read the rest
No Dry Cleaning Needed: Here’s How to Wash Handwoven Cloth
April 19, 2012 by 3 Comments
“Is it necessary to dry clean handwoven cloth?” “Is special detergent necessary?” These are very common “care” questions we are asked about our cloth and products. After I wrote my blog on the Indian handwoven and naturally dyed silk fabric… Read the rest
Ikat Weaving in Laos
March 30, 2012 by 5 Comments
I fell apart weaving in Laos. It really didn’t matter that I’d been weaving more than half my life. When it came to weaving weft ikat in fine silk (50 ends per inch) in the humid heat of Luang Prabang, … Read the rest
Indian Handwoven and Blockprinted Fabrics Do Talk You into Sewing
March 23, 2012 by 3 Comments
When I first touched the new Indian handwoven silk and blockprinted fabrics, I wanted to design something that would frame the beautiful scroll patterns and plaid-like weave of these natural-dyed prints.
Small patchwork pieces of silk on … Read the rest
My Mood Is Indigo
March 17, 2012 by 1 Comment
It’s summer and the indigo dye pot is alive and well, being fed by various students at the former Textile Arts Centre in Chicago. I can smell the dye pot—it’s a disagreeable odor, one like no other. Not putrid, nor … Read the rest
Hmong Batik Indigo Cloth
February 1, 2012 by 2 Comments
The smell of hot wax rises from the grass-covered hut every morning. A petite elderly woman, dressed in a traditional sarong, walks slowly down the stone-covered path, the Mekong river her backdrop. She carries a roll of hemp cloth, and … Read the rest
