Shanghai weaving trip part 1 of 2 上海紡織之行 (一)

 

Last week I took a 5-day trip to Shanghai for an arts centre open day and crafts workshop.

After a 2-hour flight we arrived Shanghai.  The main purpose of joining the workshop was that it was taken place in the suburb of Shanghai Jinze town,  the town is of 1,300 history and the bridges over the waterway are made of different materials and forms.

I went with my daughter but she stayed in downtown for other activities while I continue my way to the ancient town. 

Arriving Jinze we spared some time to admire the little old town by a boat along the waterway......

上星期去了上海五天, 為的是參觀金澤工藝館開放日及紡織工作坊, 工藝館座落於上海市郊的1300年古老江南小鎮 - 金澤鎮, 小橋流水, 每一座橋樑各有特色及歷史掌故.

Isn't it beautiful?  This is such a peaceful old town in China.

江南小鎮, 古老房子, 美不 ?!

Shanghai is a modern city with lots of high rises but those are not what we're interested.  On our last day we had dinner in an old stone house in downtown. 

Next part I'll show you what I've done in the workshop.

此行與女兒同飛上海, 她在市內有其他節目, 而我繼續在金澤鎮的工藝行程, 在最後一晚回到市內一起在田子坊的石庫門老房子吃日式爐端燒.. 下一網誌是我在金澤工藝館的活動.

Blogging and crafting 網絡工藝

 I started blogging dribs and drabs of my cats, crafts and travels since 2010, didn't expect much exposure.    Just recently noted my blog reached more than100,000 hits. Encouraging is that via blogging, we interact,  we exchange ideas, we meet bloggers in life in the other side of the world. Institute found me for workshops, students even from overseas coming for personal tutorials,  All are rewarding, for me - turning to a new page of fabric & fibre fanatic.  Pleased that I was invited by a popular site as guest writer to write a post of eco print.  My humble knowledge to share and spread the alchemy of nature.    Below is  sneak peek.  

不經不覺我的網誌已有十萬人次瀏覽, 開始時寫寫我的貓兒、手工藝、旅遊... 後來對羊毛氈工藝及天然印染有點心得, 網絡中認識了很多志同道合的網友, 好幾位我們也曾相約在世界某角落相聚, 有些網友成為我的學生, 有一網站邀請我寫一篇植物印柒網誌與其他人分享, 這是我的興趣, 何樂不為?! 

Airy chiffon scarf making - Tie lines on both ends are stressed.

Bundling and boiling......

Pleased outcome

Shades of euc leaves in reddish..orange

Dancing in the wind

Soft in a breezy day

My blogging and crafting are never lonely.  Mogi and you are always with me. 

I've a facebook page, if you like it please go to "Like" it.

In the coming days I'll be off to Shanghai for a weaving open day & workshop - another occasion for interaction. 

 

"Mum's on the road and left me alone again ! 媽子又上路, 去上海紡織交流喎 !"

 Until next time.

Eco printed art book 植物印染小本子

A little art book made with wool felt, eco print and dye.
這兩星期天氣時晴時雨, 風雲萬變, 上周一埸30分鐘的濠雨小溪變洪流, 今日又是風球高懸, 做一本紅葉小本使眼睛清新點,  小本子以桉樹葉印染及靛藍著色.

  Following the natural dyeing project with the visit of Michel Garcia last Dec, I planted the strobilanthes cusia for experiment.  I could not have much to make dye vat,  only cut the leaves into pieces and poured hot water in a jar for fermentation then poured again and again to get the blue dye.  I know it's not the proper process to dye my fibre with strong blue.  It's no harm to make a little grey.

So only soaked some silk hankies, silk laps and rammie.   I laid the fibres over papers intended to leave some stains.

I done a small piece wool felt flat sheet for euc leaves prints.  Got the prints by boiling then dipped the top part into the indigo dye to get the grey shade.

Mogi, "so mum's going to make the little vintage art book with wool felt cover and stained papers."

I stitched a silk fabric with leaves prints on the wool felted sheet.  Also first and last pages are of leaves prints.

In between binded with stained papers for vintage look.

Last week, I went up the hill behind my apartment for shots was a gloomy day.

Still good to take some pics.

Backdrop of a stream

Clear against it

All of a sudden it's pouring.

After 30-min torrential rain, the stream became a fall. I was sitting just in the front.  Can't wait for the rain to let up, so scary to run away. It's last week.

This morning woke up in my studio.  Such a clear and peaceful day.....

Cycling along the waterfront......

Such a sunny day you see.  Who knows typhoon warning is on now.  Just expect it wouldn't be too severe.

The little art book with eucalyptus leaves cheering me up.
Linking with Adornedfromtheabove party

My collection of eco printed bags 植物印染系列手袋

I made a row of these bags, all wool felted and eco printed & dyed in eucalyptus leaves.  What I wanted to do is the style of flaps.  Following pics speak themselves...........

 I call this "bigger half moon" bag. Made in one piece with strap and flap. A little wild fleece for texture. 

Back of the bag 

 Open the flap

 Prints inside

 This is another one - "smaller half moon". Two-flap and nuno felted texture.

 With another euc leaves prints inside

 Prints outside as well

I put a little mulberry silk on both sides that has a shinny look 

 Another one - a square bag with lining and inner pocket

 Prints inside and nuno felted texture at the bottom corner

 Back of the first one I made before. Last post mentioned.

 The bigger "half moon" bag former in white. Wrapped with euc leaves and boiled, turned to brown.

Making of the small one is the same but only with my own printed scrap for nuno felt.

So you see the bag making from a pizza pastry to salami making.   

These are my collection just made.  This is my idea of flap texture. In the world of creation, we see, we make but we may cross the road with the same. I don't or ever copy anything of this design.  If anyone see anything of the same, it's coincidence.  Please give me a shout, my hat off.  In the blogland I like to inspire and get inspired.  I don't mind to share, otherwise you wouldn't see me here.