Natural printing bond with France 法國情誼之作

 

In May when I was in Sijean, France. My friends Helene and Brigitte were so nice to spare some time with me. Helene was kind to model the garments I just made in Spain with natural prints and dyes, last post. She's interested in such unique design and making technique. I said I would make a top for her with some local leaves. When I back home I immediately practised the skills learnt from Irit Dulman the natural prints and Revital Avidar the garment design. 

As Helene likes simple and not those orange or red so I used a few buttonwood (梧桐) from France and Loropetalum Chinense (紅彩木) locally mainly on the upper part design.

After 1.5 hours boiling the fabric printed then sewed.

  

This is the big buttonwood in the town of Sijean.  The first morning three of us strolling in the little tranquil town. Prints of the leaf from this sort of tree

I designed it the raglan top.  After all done I took photos on my girl before sending the parcel out. Prints mainly around collar and shoulders while sleeves with dyes and stains of cochinael.  

 

Back is also with little green leaves from France collected along the canal

A silk top all with natural prints/dyes is now with bella Helene

I am happy that it fits Helene

 

Eco printed tote bag with "grumpy" for Brigitte

 

My last stay in France was memorable with Helene and Brigitte. Both are my good friends. Of course not to forget also something I made for Brigitte. It's a tote bag printed with eucalyptus, casaurina and leaf cut into cat and dog silhouette.

 

Brigitte's tote bag with two compartments and lining.  Both sides printed. Size is quite right for her "grumpy" or a wine carrier

 

 

"Before & After" of the prints on wool flannel for the tote bag

The natural printed silk top looks good on my oriental girl and the French bella.

I like the chance of practise. 

Thank you girls for the modeling.

"Au Revoir" France and my great friends 再見我的法國摯愛

Maya, your blue eyes killing me. You're cool. On the first day I arrived your house you ignored me but your charming blue eyed host Helene and Brigitte are so warm with me

Maya,你攝人的藍眼睛可不易親近，而你的藍眼睛主人 Helene 與友 Brigitte 在我一星期的造訪逗留熱情招待，我深感榮幸, 你總愛待在陽臺晒太陽對望街道，因為這法國南部的天氣明朗怡人，你的好客主人帶我𣈱遊小鎭、村莊、湖邊海邊，一星期中我們品嚐各種美酒，暢談歡聚, 玩玩手工，話別有時，今日離去再往巴塞隆拿-此行歐遊中轉站，待一天踏上歸途，又是我回到 Mogi 的時候了。

The house view is good with morning beams. Maya likes sitting in the balcony watching the lane.

Every Tue there's local market of produce in Helene's village Sijean.

Everyday we've nice chat over drinks and snacks in her cozy house. 

In day time Helene's so nice to show us around her region stunning views. 

One evening we managed to do wool felting. I like to share the versatility of wool with friends. We made the simple wool  felted rings and Nuno felted brooches with the indigo dyed scrap just done in Spain.

In an hour they made pretty handful rings and flowers.

So sweet Helene and Brigitte made a chocolate cake to pre celebrate my birthday.

How thoughtful they are!

In a windy morning we went to feel the strong wind and a 7km trail walk on an island with a pick of rosemary.

Today, last glimpse to her nearby lakeside. It's another brilliant day with breeze.

We walked in the olive groove .....

Time to say goodbye to my wonderful friends. We have a sumptuous lunch in a decent restaurant in Perpignan before off to Barcelona.

Cod, duck breast and snails in typical local cooking served with their house wine.

I was honoured to visit the restaurant's own cellar.

They sent me to the train station. In 1.5 hours I arrived Barcelona, a hub of my Europe trip.

Au Revoir my friends in France and you, cool Maya. For one more day in Barcelona then will be heading home to see my Mogi.

Days in France with lovely hosts （1) 法國悠遊行

Days here in the Souther France were sunny but windy at times. The blue skies with rolling clouds were so stunning. Arriving in the region of Languedoc-Rousillon, my hosts friend Helene and Brigitte were so warmly to show me the areas around the Mediterranean costal towns and villages. We strolling along the canal, walking in the beach, up to the hill for the town view, picnic by the sea, pool side Cataluna lunch........I'm very impressed of the warmth.

在蔚藍天空下悠遊南法地中海城鎮與村莊，與東道友人海邊、葡萄園畔野餐，逛逛海邊........仍在享受我的假期......

Waking in the breezy Mediterranean Sea

Quite windy in the port Collioure

This is one of the most beautiful ports I have been 

It's not yet the peak season with less tourist. We strolling pleasant.

Tranquility with boats by the lake 

Up to the hill for an overview of the towns in between the sea and lake

Cite De Carcassonne is a must visit. 

Quite a feel walking in the cobbled stone passage and alley

Canal over a river is the typical view of Le Somail

Days here are leisure, we have picnic by the Mediterranean Sea

Picnics by the vineyard 

Coffee in the most beautiful village in Lagrasse

Cataluna lunch by the pool in host's house

In the early summer of France, poppies are blooming

My friends showed me how they played with the poppies to make a doll in their childhood 

L'Orbieu, another old village with good view. I really am so glad for the days with friends here .......as well wearing my just made wearables with own natural prints in Spain last week.

The bold and bright prints of chestnut. Soon be home......will experiment the technique.