A dobie wallah (laundry person) washing clothes along the steps of the Ganges river at daybreak.When my mother and sister got off the airplane from India, they came home to a house full of family- a very appreciative audience. There with plenty of hands to carry in the many bags, and we didn't have to wait more than a couple of seconds before they started unzipping them. The unveiling of their treasures wasn't anything I could have ever imagined. I think the best way to share it with you is by breaking it up into categories: textiles/shoes, kitchen/utilitarian, and wild/wonderful. Although just about everything fits into the w/w category!
Wood blocks...
handmade shoes...
turbans and towels from Rajisthan...
end of a cotton bolt... like selvedge...
felt lily brooches...
And the most beautiful of all... quilts from West Bengal and Bangladesh (read more about them here)
I couldn't capture how amazing these were. The running stitch has never had more impact. Do you see all of those little stitches? Can you imagine how long each one took? If you worked so hard on a piece, mending it wouldn't even be a second thought. This little square is my favorite part, of course.
All of these things are so beautiful! I love the wood blocks and shoes :)
ReplyDeleteah. no words, maya. thanks for sharing these.
ReplyDeleteLove everything here! Will adopt the name Dobie Wallah next time the laundry gets out of hand. :)
ReplyDeleteYou lucky girl...what amazing treasures. Aren't those quilts the most lovely things you have ever seen! It's so funny because I ran into the same problem...how to photograph them in a way that shows their full glory. Hmmmm? There are worse problems to have!!
ReplyDeleteWow! I love the treasures! How amazing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful treasures..My goodness what a fabulous place to visit. Needs to go on my list of must do's I think :P
ReplyDeleteoh my, wow what a post, Maya ! thank you, and thank your mom & sister for us please !
ReplyDeleteOn the last photo, the running stitch makes me think of Cathy (Cullis) and the patch makes me think of Liane.
xoxoxo
For years I've had a vague idea of a tattoo I want for my ankle, but I have been unable to come up with the exact design. I think I see the beginnings of it in two of those wood blocks. I'm going to play with the idea now! Cool treasures!
ReplyDeletelove the wood blocks!
ReplyDeleteit's all so yummy... but I love the wood blocks - especially because you can further create with those. I'd be printing everything in sight!
ReplyDeleteWow! Such treasures... I can't wait to see what you do with those woodblocks.
ReplyDeleteWhauw, amazing. I also love the wood blocks!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteThose black shoes are amazing. And thank you for the link to my Valentine's Day collection. I loved listening to your interview with Jennifer, too!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Will you get to use the wood blocks? Love the patch in the quilt. I've taken to patching my tablecloths and kitchen linens with out-loud-different fabrics because it is so charming.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing India via you and your mom.
--Vicki K.
How beautiful, all these presents..... I love to read your blog!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful materials Maya- especially like the shoes and wood block and pointed elf slippers...thanks for sharing.What an interesting family you all are!
ReplyDeleteWow!!!!!! Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteHi Maya,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for posting these wonderful photos and also for the introduction to the Lavendar and Limes blog. I greatly appreciate all you're doing!
Very beautiful. There is something that seems so spiritual about these items and pictures.
ReplyDeleteOh, Maya, so much eye candy in one post! You are spoiling us!! India has such a rich textile history, and I think your mom and sister brought back the best representations of it!
ReplyDeleteIndia is just a place full of treasures!!!
ReplyDeleteBut did you get one of these:
http://chunkychooky.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-place-and-yours-wherever-i-lay-my.html
Maya,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to share this beauty. I kept re-loading my dial up internet because I didn't want to miss a single picture. I especially appreciate the hand quilted piece. I enjoy hand sewing so much more than using the noisy machine but I can also appreciate all the time it takes.
Many warm wishes,
Tonya
Pray for the people of Haiti.
ReplyDeleteOh, all those beautifyl woodblocks! Can't wait to see what you do with them..Peg
ReplyDeleteHi Maya,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like my country. I am sure the memories of the places you visited and the people you met are as beautiful as the take aways.
Regards
Priyanka
PS: The handmade shoes are called "Mojiris"