Philippa’s crafty trip to India
Our own Philippa Doyle recently went to India for a crafty trip where the focus was on local crafters, techniques and stories.
She got to see a lot of wonderful techniques in action and meet the people behind them. Many are families who have worked in the industries for generations, passing the skills down like the complex Patola silk double ikat and pit loom Mashru weaving. Even Indigo dying where the newly dyed sheets were laid on the ground in communal areas to dry -just part of the community and not hidden away in industrial areas.
Philippa got to meet communities who are crafting together, making bangles and quilts -even meeting the people who made a quilt she’d purchased on a whim in Melbourne years ago!
Museums beckoned with examples of traditional dress and fabrics. Hours were spent going through stacks of gorgeous items, with some being purchased..
She was even put to the test with block making, dying and painting projects. Not as easy as they looked, but the makers were kind enough to help where needed.
There was plenty to be admired outside of the world of fabrics as well. India is a vibrant and colourful country. Even the trucks are decorated, and the tassels they hang from the mirrors can be purchased even if that’s something only learnt when back in New Zealand. The street food tour was a hit, with some wonderful discoveries, and the temples were extraordinary.
Leaving was hard, especially with an extra 10kgs of purchases. It’s an experience she won’t forget in a hurry.
View the photos on Philippa’s instagram
The tour was run by Retreat Recreate Creative tours with tour guides from Kutch Adventure and United Artisans of Kutch
We also had a wonderful show and tell, with a special group project down for Matariki by daycare staff that will be displayed over the coming celebration
