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Nalda's report continues Netted bags. This ancient technique was adapted to double threads of spun silk and worked around a sheet of cardboard to give structure to the stitching. As the thread was quite thick and substantial only two basic stitches were shown. The surface on completion was decorated by some and on others left plain. Information about patterning with colour and more complex stitching was left there so if a plied thread is made available then strong carry bags could be made. It will be important that the handles are equal to any weights that would be carried in the bags. Twined dilly bag/baskets. Working from the centre point of a bundle of warps other strips of double wefts were twisted alternating around the warps. Colours were changed frequently and firmness was encouraged. Small tubular vessels/ baskets took shape. At the top ending the warps were rolled around the lip and stitched down. A plaited cord handle finished them off. I showed Abida the manner of using more than double wefts, 3 or more in fact and she understood it and proceeded to start another twined basket using that technique. Coiled baskets. Using unspun silk matted threads for the bundle with strips of torn silk as a stitching cord coiled baskets were made. There was a difficulty with these as it was quite difficult to identify just where each stitch needed to be placed. The surface was such a jumble of colour and threads along with learning the technique it was quite difficult. However process of coiling can be easily applied to other items such as arm bands, necklaces etc. the women now know how to do it. Doll making. Using a simple human form the doll body was drawn onto a double layer of silk by each woman, then the form was cut out and top stitched and stuffed in a alternating way until a small lively figure had come into being. Then came the dressing of the doll, with so much choice clothes were made with style and many fashions. Now faces were embroidered using silk strands and small cut fragments. Facial expressions appeared and the spirit of life entered. With the charm of making small dolls, shoes, hats, jewellery, bags were invented to further adorn each doll and finally the maker embroidered her name onto her doll. The women embraced doll making with such pleasure and enthusiasm one can see it becoming possibly the main expression of this silk waste project. |
Appliqué and embroidery. Following India’s suggestion of patchwork and responding to the small silk fragments suitable for cutting into shapes, these were stitched and embroidered onto larger fragments to create patterns. Blanket-stitching was used to join all together. Many of the women immensely enjoyed doing this and further decorated their pieces with flowers, buttons, and beads making stunning outcomes. Thread making. Using narrow torn lengths of silk or bundles of the shredded silk fibre twisted and plied cords were made b the process of tipping the strands alternately over each other. Small fragments of silk were placed between the two main cords and thus were locked into place. 50cm lengths, more or less were encouraged. This cord is colourful and could be used in many ways through stitching, beading, and so on. Plant dyeing I think that thee was so much of the immediacy of stitching to attract the women that they simply never made it to the plant dyeing. If we had a further week I have no doubt they would have turned their attention to it. India certainly found several leaves, which gave strong colours. There was plenty of heavy neutral coloured silk available in the supply, Perhaps when the project and the women’s energy for making settles into a system that suits them then there will be a curiosity to investigate plant dyeing. The outcome of this workshop is a collection of stitched and woven silken objects.  They show a learning process in some cases in others they are well resolved. It is early days and as rhe women do more making their skills will further develop, similarly they will enjoy making different choices of colour , textures and shapes. This first collection remains the property of the women so they will always have it as a display the centre which they can use and reflect on. The women could always make use of a any embroidery threads unwanted here for the dolls faces. I am about to send some packets of curved needles to them for the faces. These are issues to consider: The silk is sourced locally. The women are financially restricted. Meaning there is little work for them in the region. The silk waster project should secure each woman an income depending her commitment and willingness to be involved. The women can make choices about what they make although some products will sell more readily than others and this will shape outcomes. Apart from the silk waste and needles and scissors there is scant equipment needed . The Vikasana Centre ensures a safe and welcoming venue for the women. I think this first workshop has fulfilled the early stages of this projects outcome and I feel quite satisfied of what we achieved in such a brief but intense time frame. Dolls are for sale from Beautiful Silks (the sister business of Elephant Concepts) info@beautifulsilks.com or elephant@vikasana.net |
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