New Look

June 27, 2010

A Class with India

I have returned from my journey to Tennessee.  In a small rural town 90 miles outside of Nashville I attended a 5 day long class with India Flint. (My piece is featured on her mosaic of the class...upper left).  We learned to felt her way and dye with local plants.  She speaks so softly this tall woman with browned tattooed hands.  But she freely gives of her extensive knowledge that includes Latin names and chemical reactions.  Mostly she encourages you to find your own way while stepping softly on the earth. 
We made a simple scarf from a tube that was felted after sewing bits and bobs of silk and some cotton. 
They were dried but not dyed. 
We then made a sample piece of botanical dyed silk. She has us lay them out on the floor....they were wonderful. 
We went on a walk with a naturalist and India to discuss local flora and how to identify plants and those most likely to give colors.  Oak leaves were the primary source for the silk strips above.
The class then embroidered and sewed pieces that were dyed then felted together.  
Our dye pots were always full with everyone waiting excitedly to open their bundles.  
Many of us worked until the wee hours of the night.....arranging and piecing our landskin quilt. 
India cobbled a piece together for us to follow her process.  I think overall we did well.  
Thank you India.  It truly was an amazing experience. 

8 comments:

Heather Woollove said...

What a wonderful experience to learn from India Flint!! It sounds like it was such a beautiful week.
Lucky you!! :)

Trudis said...

I fully agree with what Heather says, this is indeed a wonderful experience!

Kris said...

Wow, your post carries a certain peaceful, fun, earthy feeling. It looks like such a wonderful experience. Hope you carry the energy
with you for a long time to come.

Tammie Lee said...

it looks like you had a wonderful time, learning, sharing and creating. gifts like this to ourselves are treasures. welcome home.

Barbara said...

Hi, I have just come across your blog ... wow what an experience with India Flint!
It sounds like it was a very peaceful time. And great work was made!
Best wishes,
Barbara

india flint said...

what a sweetie you are...thank you for those kind words
i had a splendid fortnight as well!
see you again sometime

Jasmine said...

Looks amazing. I'd love to take one of India's courses, such a wonderful inspiration :)

Working with cloth said...

Joei it must have been a fantastic experience, all these plant dyed fabric are wonderful, I have just ordered a book by India Flint - Eco colour.