[ TRENDING TAPESTRY ] Harper's Bazaar USA October 2012

Hugely popular this season, the tapestry aesthetic has graced runways and high streets alike, and when I stumbled across this richly ornate and luxuriantly feminine shoot by Photographer Richard Burbridge and Stylist Tony Irvine for Harper's USA my fingers began twitching, and alas to Wandering Threads it came.

One of this seasons best use of the trend (and one of my lifelong designer lustings) is Dolce & Gabbana, whose AW12 collection was positively bursting with baroque decadence. Synonymous with luxe fabrics and exquisite detailing, unsurprisingly the label is leading the trend with its rose motif body-con dresses and embroidered tapestry effect peplum corset tops, while others such as Balmain take brocade embellishment to a baroque extreme with gold threaded embroidery edged with thousands of light-catching pearls and crystals.

Of all the seasons to stop travelling and dedicate those extra funds to sprucing up a long-forlorn winter wardrobe, I couldn't have picked a time more apt!

I'm in love with all things tapestry. Perhaps it's that vintage (and at times rather kitsch) appeal) that sends my mind tumbling into visions of 17th century court ladies surrounded by Caravaggio paintings, just delicately stitching away...Whatever century it sends your mind to, the true beginnings of needlepoint tapestry (or tapestry embroidery as it's more accurately referred) actually stem back to Hellenistic times. However, we associate them (rightly so) with the baroque period due to it's rising popularity as a domestic craft during the 16th & 17th centuries. Apparently some rather famous figures were keen hobbyists, with Mary Queen of Scots (she had a lot of time on her hands...), Marie Antoinette and Queen Elizabeth I all being listed. 

As always, a little history lesson for thread fans.

So, be it fashion, art or craft, for me tapestry will always signify a heritage fabric that exudes that wonderful sense of nostalgic craftsmanship, of cherished artistry and of time-honoured tradition.  

Images: Visual Optimism

[ STORIES IN THE MAKING ] Handcrafted Fashion By Kahani

From the far corners of India to the expanse of the world wide web, newly launched online label Kahani marries the contemporary with the traditional with their opulent line of dazzling shawls, scarves, totes, jewellery and kaftans, all handcrafted by artisans in the Kutch region of Gujarat.  An advocate of ethical production, fair trade and the promotion of indigenous craftwork, Kahani’s founder, New York based Art Director and Designer, Lisanne Gagnon hopes that the products will capture your imagination and instil a desire for the beauty of the handmade in a world of mass consumerism and throwaway fashion. I’m a big fan of intertwining good causes with fabulous products, so I couldn’t have stumbled upon a more apt label to rave about on Wandering Threads. Thus, in awe of all things Kahani I probed Lisanne on how the label came to be:

1. Kahani means “story,” and the spirit of the label bares emphasis on the journey, as well as arriving at a beautiful end product. Can you tell us a little bit about your own story and how Kahani came to be?

In 2010, on my first-ever journey to India, I travelled to a desert district in Western India called Kutch where I witnessed first-hand the creation of a vast range of handicrafts by local artisans of all ages who belonged to a variety of ethnic tribes. Upon returning to New York, I realized how inspiring this experience was and immediately knew I had to return someday and explore further. What transpired through this “return” was essentially the merging of two desires: to work with artisans to create a line of beautiful, handcrafted garments and fashion accessories, and to commit to doing so in ethical and sustainable ways. My efforts began this past winter and by spring I launched Kahani.

2. The promotion of ethnic, indigenous and traditional craftsmanship is evidently something you are very passionate about. When did you first realise your interest in this?

I’ve always been intrigued by the concept of 'preserving artisan traditions', ones that survive millennia and are passed down through generations. During my initial trip, I began to understand my fascination was inextricably tied to my passion for traditional culture and ethnic style. Spending time with knowledgeable artisans really opened my eyes to the process and the history behind the craftwork. I realized instinctively that Kahani should be committed to the promotion and preservation of these age-old traditions that, quite honestly, may easily vanish in a fast-changing and globalized economy.

Click the link below to keep reading this interview and don't forget to
check back tomorrow for details of an exciting

KAHANI GIVEAWAY !!! 

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[ SHOW & SELL ] A Handmade Market

I'm so very excited to attend my very first Etsy event this week, Show & Sell, hosted by the Sydney Etsy Team at The World Bar in Kings Cross on Wednesday night. Promising an array of handmade jewellery, accessories, clothing, artwork and homewares with lots of exciting Etsy store holders already confirmed, it's going to be a night of handmade heaven! So if you're a Sydney sider, make sure you hop on down, it's absolutely free to enter, just remember to bring lots of cash!

I'll be there with my camera snapping lots of picks for Wandering Threads, so if any storeholders would particuarly like to be featured, leave a comment below or send me a quick email at samantha@wandering-threads.com

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[ THREAD LUSTINGS ] Ifat Creations on Boticca

Left to right: 1. Falling pearls nr. 142 2. Dogon Necklace 3. Summer Ending Necklace 4. Red-Blue Murano Necklace 5.  Peacock Feather Necklace

Online store, Boticca, caught my attention yesterday with its 'All About Tradition' feature which happens to showcase some of the store's most talented, traditionally inspired jewellery designers. As a silversmithing novice myself, I love reading about new designers with interesting and innovative approaches to jewellery design, so when I came across  Ifat Creations' intricately woven thread necklaces, a bit of clicking frenzy ensued. 

Working from in her studio in Madrid, Israeli born Ifat handcrafts each of her pieces using traditional weaving techniques, based on the ancient art of macramé, to create an intricate web of fine linen or waxed cotton threads around a central focal point. Intertwining rare Murano beads, Dogon jewellery, Indian silverwork, terracotta, wood or small handmade works by other contemporary artisans, every uniquely crafted piece from Ifat exudes contemporary ethnic appeal.

This macramé technique looks like fun, time to find some threads and try it out!

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[ DIY THREADS ] Friendship Bracelets by Honestly WTF

Earlier today whilst stumbling around the web (yes, I am now down with the rest of you Stumble Upon kids), I came across these bracelet beauties from one of my current favorite blogs, Honestly WTF. I've been lusting over this kind of crafty 'do it yourself' accessory look for a while now as they make for perfect traveling jewellery - you never need to take them off and they go great with beach brights and bohemian slouch (like these examples I picked up in Kuta, Bali). So when I discovered the girls behind HWFT had already provided a full on DIY masterclass in friendship-bracelet-making, I got a little over excited and started 'stumbling' all their DIY tutorials (if you're following me on facebook you'll already know what I'm talking about). If you love what you see and fancy getting a little crafty click on over to the fully illustrated tutorial here.

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[ THREAD LUSTINGS ] FolkloreLove on Etsy

Rustic Antique Romanian Hand Woven Pillow Cover, Antique Romanian Hand Woven Rustic Pillow Cover Red & White, Rustic Vintage Romanian Hand Loomed Macat Pillow Cover, and Antique Hand Woven Rustic Pillow Cover

Glaringly garish or charmingly kitsch? Whatever, I'm in ethnic textile heaven. Perhaps, if I threw these fancifully ethnic cushions into the mix of a bohemian living space, I might just get away with their outlandishly folkish veneer? Picture time-worn wooden floors spread with antique rugs, throw-laden sofas and a vintage grandfather clock thrown in for good measure and you've got the perfect scene for these antique textile cushions from FolkLove on Etsy. Reincarnated from old, handwoven Romanian kilim, a traditional style of handwoven rug found in eastern Europe and the Middle East, what better to beat those post-wandering blues and conjure some kind of fabled nostalgia to one's home? Hmm, maybe I shouldn't stop traveling...

Like what you see? Take a wander around my list of ethnic inspired Etsy favorites by clicking here.  

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[ETHNIC FINDS] Jewellery Stories

So as you've probably have guessed by now, I've just jumped on the Instagram bandwagon (hey, I know I'm late but I am traveling around the world with a severe lack of wifi access and a boyfriend who only occasionally lets me completely take over his Ipod). Nevertheless, I thought I'd use my new found skills to show you some of the beautiful ethnic jewellery I've been collecting over the past months. This set comes from my travels around India and Nepal. So from right to left here are the discriptions:

1. Red and white yak bone beaded bracelets, bought off a Tibetan lady who cornered me in Pokhara, Nepal. 

2. Giant (and very heavy) hand painted statement earrings from a stall in Kerala, India.

3. Turquoise and amber (supposedly) inlaid miniature perfume bottle bought from a little old lady on the corner of the street in Pokhara, Nepal. Apparently her husband brings her all her wares one a month from Tibet.

4.  Turquoise and amber (again, supposedly but more like faux) hollow pendant with Buddhist mantra hidden inside. Bought from one of many very keen salesmen at Kathmandu's Durbar Square market in Nepal.

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[ SEND ME ETHNIC ] IN HAUS Press

 I absolutely love hand-printed stationary. A couple of months ago I was lucky enough to learn how to screen print whilst preparing some ultra minimalist card artwork for Via Design, and ever since my desire to fill a whole page with prints and colour has been thrown out the window in favor of pure, simple, minimalism. It's just good design. So my penchant for crisp lines, skinny typeface and, of course, ethnic patterns, led me to the website of San Francisco based letterpress printers, IN HAUS.

 
 I first fell for their American Indian inspired aesthetics a few months ago on their Etsy shop and have been popping back ever since to check out the newest additions. Some of my favorites include these awesome ethnic print table coasters and their quirky take on your average greetings cards like 'Lets move to the mountains' - why not?

Mountains Print card, Dwelling: Letterpress Moving Announcements, SALE - Letterpress 'Love' Notes - Set of 6

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[ PINTER LUSTINGS ] Ethnic Fashion Inspirations

So, I've already mentioned my new-found obsession with Pinterest, and over the past few weeks I've been busy pinning my favorite ethnically inspired images all over my boards. I've already shown you some of my top picks from my Ethnic Interiors category so here's a  little taste of what you can find on my Ethnic Fashion board. Click here to see more ethnic inspired everything from fashion and interiors to homeware, accessories, global inspirations and editorials. I'll be posting my favorites on here now and again but remember to follow me on Pinterest if you like what you see!

All images sourced from Pinterest.com

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[ GOODBYE NEPAL ] Swayambhunath

So the time has finally come to leave Nepal. Tomorrow I will be flying off to China! For the next two months I shall be making my way down and across the country starting, naturally, with the big red capital of Beijing. I will, obviously, be blogging my ethnically and culturally charged discoveries once again so make sure you stay tuned for the latest! For now, as a final goodbye from Nepal, I'd like to leave you with some of my finds from today's visit to Swayambhunath, a Buddhist temple complex that towers over the city of Kathmandu. See you on the other side! 

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[ HEMP PIXIES ] Patan, Nepal

Aren't these the cutest little shoes?! I found a bunch of these traditional, handmade Nepali hemp slip-on's being sold around the craft laden streets of Patan on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Like little pixie shoes, they'd be great for wandering around these dusty old UNESCO heritage streets, not so great in the rainy season though! If you're a fan of hemp or want to know more about its sustainable properties you should check out my earlier post from Pokhara (hint hint!).

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[ THREAD LUSTINGS ] Viral Threads on Etsy

So with all the wonderful things I keep finding online that I wish I was stationary enough to purchase and wear/use, I've decided to start categorising them into Thread Lustings. In keeping with my recent handwoven Nepali style finds I've decided to dedicate this post to this rather colourful '80's vintage Native American fringed blanket coat from Viral Threads on Etsy. Don't you think it would look amazing with a fringed bag, distressed denim shorts and maybe some ethnic moccasins or calf length boots like the ones shown here? 

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[ TEA COSY OR HAT? ] Patan, Nepal

India was all about the women, Nepal is, most definitely, all about the men. They are of the cheerfully obliging variety and will happily pose for you, grinning mischievously as you snap away. Not only is this a great asset to my budding global photographic collection but its a great way of showing all of you the particulars of Nepalese traditional dress!

Shirts, trousers, waistcoats and flip flops - all very standard and obviously a practicality- but what's that on their heads? Is it a tea cosy? Is it a tea cosy worn as a hat? Actually its just a hat, a dhaka topi to be precise. Dhaka referring to the type of traditional, handwoven fabric and topi, referring to the lightly worn, top creased, brimless hat. This evidently popular item of Nepalese national dress is worn with much pride throughout the country on a daily basis, unlike the rest of the outfit, the daura suruwal or labeda suruwal (essentially a long tunic over trousers) which is reserved for special ceremonial occasions. So there you have it, an ethnic style 101 from the streets of Patan.

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[ THE CRAFTS CENTRE ] Pokhara, Nepal

Shops like this are the reason I keep adding to my photographic collection of super bright, ethnic patterned fabrics, clothing and accessories - they make it so easy! I wondered into The Crafts Centre, again on Pokhara's Lakeside area, having been dazzled by the array of coloured weaves and embroidered homeware strategically placed out on the roadside. 

Whilst I'm a big fan of shopping in local markets and bazaars on my travels, I love discovering small, independently owned, fair trade stores like this one that stock hundreds of locally produced, traditional items. You may pay a slightly inflated price for those desirables but, generally, you can leave happy in the knowledge that the local artisans who hand crafted them are getting a fair price. Heed the obvious warnings though and assess the shop by its owner or salesperson - too pushy and you know they're out to make a quick buck, most likely paying under the odds for the goods themselves.  

 

 

The Craft Centre's chirpy owner was happy to take the time to show me around, explaining to me the significance of the symbols embroidered and woven into wall hangings, cushions and bags as well as the location of the villages that produced the unbelievably soft 100% yak wool scarves - perfect Christmas presents!

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[ COCONUT CHARMS ] Pokhara, Nepal

Earlier today, during another photographic excursion around Pokhara's backbacker haunt, I came across this delightful little collection of hand-carved, recycled coconut jewellery. Ranging from intricately carved earrings to hand-painted and stone-inlaid pendants in an array of symbolic and nature inspired designs, this cute collection makes a perfect go-to for souvenir hunters looking for a token Lakeside style keepsake. Oddly enough, the actual selling point of the shop was fishing rods and tattoos...

Straight outta nature, recycled coconut not only makes for perfect travel jewellery - being light-weight, durable and non precious - but is also a particularly sustainable option. Reusing otherwise redundant shells from empty coconuts, then shaping and scoring the surface with hand tools there's nothing inorganic about this stuff. So have a rummage around your local markets and boutiques, or just wait for your next beachside escape to get your hippy on and get some coconut!

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[ PAPERMADE ] Pokhara, Nepal

When I entered this lovely country, which appears to consist almost solely of mountains (que long, arduous bus journeys, my window opening out on to sheer drops), I had absolutely no prior knowledge of the nationwide Nepalese fad for handmade paper. So when I came across this particular shop whilst strolling down Pokhara's Lakeside area this afternoon, I was, being a bit of a graphic designer-meets-ethnic-craft-obsessive myself, a little overly excited.

From postcards and paper lanterns to decorative scrolls, colourful wall calenders and greetings cards, ever item at Western Women Paper Craft is hand-painted by local craftsmen an women around the Pokhara Valley. According to the very informative lady in the shop, the popularity of this handmade paper, both within nepal itself and with foriegn exporters is largely due to its production being both environmentally and economically sustainable. 

The paper itself is made from the inner bark of a wild shrub locally known as 'Lokta' (found only at altutudes of 7000 to 9000 feet). Luckily the harvesting of Lokta leaves at least 8 inches of stalk above ground which enables it to grow again quickly from its embedded roots. This accelerated root growth in turn helps to hold the soil in place for other crops during Nepals two monsoon seasons, thus enabling farmers to sustain their livelihoods year-round (export crops are often the only source of income in rural areas). Great news for the Nepalese and great news for us!  

 

Besides serving as a durable writing material for ages past (historically all Nepalese legal and legislative documents have been printed on Lokta paper thanks to its durability), handmade paper also plays a big part in the lives of many natives. From creating charms to ward off evil spirits to making incense and gifts, to the use as a sticking-plaster substitute for healing cuts and fractures in remote villages, handmade paper, so it seems, is to Nepal like tea is to China! 

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