Well, I can't show you everything I got because much of it is gifts for people who read this blog. No need to give them a sneak preview. But I can show you a few things I acquired for me.
These books were gifts from the hosts. I haven't had a chance to crack them open but I'm looking forward to it.
But books, smooks, you want to see the fabric, don't you?
I bought myself 2.5-4 yards of each and they are all silk.
This is a gorgeous iridescent green and purple fabric.
I should stop right now and explain that I have no idea what any of these will be used for. I think this one would make a great lining for some hand knit or crocheted purses, but who knows what it will actually become.
This is some light light sage green raw silk. The color is very hard to capture, trust me, it's a lovely shade.
This stuff was so cheap, I'm embarrassed to say how much I spent on it. I have 4 meters of it and I think it's about a 48" width. I think it'd make a beautiful structured mandarin collar jacket with princess seams, but, again, I reserve the right to completely change my mind about that.
These next two fabrics were a little pricier but so beautiful, they make my heart skip a beat.
I think I might like to turn one into a gored skirt maybe with some black chiffon insets or with some contrast piping. Did any of you even know that I know how to sew? Well, I do, though I'm not incredibly good at it. I have more vision than skill, that's for sure.
And yes, I did buy a sari.
No, I'm not going to model it for you. Not yet, at least. I think I've figured out how to do the standard drape, but it's pretty crude, sort of the equivalent to one's first fun fur scarf, if you know what I mean.
Finally, I bought shawl/wrap type things. The first two are a very soft wool. If I recall they are pashmina but not of the super fab variety. Both are reversible, in the way that double knit is reversible. The dominant color within a section of the weaving becomes the secondary color in the same section on the back.
The last one here is silk and hand dyed. They use a tie dye type process and the result is a light and crinkly silk scarf that is surprisingly warm when needed.
All three are about 2-3 feet wide and at least 6 feet long so they are perfect for casually throwing about the shoulders when there is a little chill in the air, but the fold up small enough to fit in a decent sized purse when it's warm.
Oh and jewelry is quite a bargain in India too. There is gold aplenty, but I prefer silver for sure.
Much of these have or will go to friends, but I don't think any of them wander by my blog. All are sterling silver with semi-precious gems.
Oh, and by the way, I did work on one sock while I was there:
It's a bit small. If after blocking it's still tight, I may actually have to rip it out.
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Comments (9)
Paisley!!!
I *love* those paisley wraps!
Very luscious, Marnie. Welcome home!
Posted by sravana | July 14, 2006 6:25 AM
Posted on July 14, 2006 06:25
Thats some really pretty fabric.. There is a good sari-wearing direction here Check it out. Awaiting your modeled sari~! =]
Posted by kessa | July 13, 2006 8:11 AM
Posted on July 13, 2006 08:11
Okay, I may be a bit jealous. Wow, what a beautiful range of treasures you picked!
Posted by Alison | July 13, 2006 5:52 AM
Posted on July 13, 2006 05:52
The sari will look just fantastic on you -- as will all that gorgeous fabric when each piece becomes something other than just lovely to look at. Great job shopping!
Posted by Roxie | July 12, 2006 6:12 PM
Posted on July 12, 2006 18:12
You brought back some beautiful treasures. And you sew?! Man, one more reason for me to lurve you. ~swoon~
Posted by Debbie | July 12, 2006 3:14 PM
Posted on July 12, 2006 15:14
Gorgeous! The fabrics and your sari are amazing!
Posted by Nonnahs | July 12, 2006 2:19 PM
Posted on July 12, 2006 14:19
Everything that you got is so, so lovely. I especially love the patterning on the pashminas, so pretty. I hope that your visions for those silks become reality. I got some fabulous silk saris but they are still sitting in my closet since I don't want to ruin them with my lacking sewing skills.
Posted by Jenna | July 12, 2006 2:13 PM
Posted on July 12, 2006 14:13
You have done well, my paduin. Maybe I'll post a picture of me in my sari to give you some encouragement!
Posted by abi | July 12, 2006 1:43 PM
Posted on July 12, 2006 13:43
Beautiful finds! I love all the rich colors of those fabrics.
Posted by Mary-Heather | July 12, 2006 12:46 PM
Posted on July 12, 2006 12:46