Silk Paper

 Another stimulating Thames Valley Contemporary Quilt session on Saturday. An interesting talk from artist Gabrielle Forshaw in the morning, discussion about our potential pieces for Slough Museum exhibition at lunchtime followed by a workshop with Vicki Chambers on working in 3d with silk fibres.

 Made silk paper (or laminations) using cocoon strippings which as they contain seracin, only need water and ironing between baking  parchment.  Draping over a mould such as a plastic cup makes  interesting structures. I was so taken with the simplicity of it ( and its potential to make translucent slightly stiff fabrics for my Taplow Vase project)  that I ordered online from George Weil before I went to bed! 

 A contrast to the other , bit more complex method (bit like feltmaking)  using silk hankies and fibres with CMC to stick it together which I had a go with in a mini workshop at Knit and Stitch in 2005 (and got incorporated into a Journal Quilt)

With a similar texture and lustre, a piece of birch bark found on our walk today.

More Syrian Scarves

 I also bought a scarf in Aleppo in the Souk  the first time I went to Syria in 2000, this time a heavy silk brocade with gold threads. It's over a metre square and caused a stir when I wore it for New Year, the group divided between the frankly covetous and those who said "you paid HOW MUCH for  a scarf?"

 I thought my $100 was very well spent - I love the wrapped fringing and tassels too and it's as good if not better than the examples illustrated in the 'Art and Crafts of Syria'

 I didn't manage to find such a good one on my second visit - this purple and silver thread scarf was practically thown in with my other purchases as it was worn to shreds in the centre and had lost its fringes.  I rather like that someone has worn it to bits and makes me feel better about at some point refashioning it.

They both probably originate from Homs ( although the Lions might be a workshop signature from Aleppo)  produced exclusively as traditional headcovers for surrounding villages and nomads, the area being known for its sericulture. On my first trip I saw one example of silver and black being worn by a proud old woman with a tattoo in one of the nomad villages we visited.

Feeling rather sorry for myself with a bad cold, thanks to  Ian who insisted on  kisses even tho' he was 'diseased'