Indonesian Batiks

Yesterday I was back at the Sadu House with a friend for an exhibition of Indonesian Batiks.  The opening of the event began with a speech by the Indonesian Ambassador and then there was a fashion show, bazaar and workshop.

We did not attend the workshop but did learn about the lengthy batik process.

Batik, the technique of decorating cloth with wax and dye, is considered both an art and a craft.  The process of adding wax and color is repeated over and over until the final result is achieved.

October 2nd is National Batik Day in Indonesia, celebrating the anniversary of batik being recognized by UNESCO as a "Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity".

Even the cake rolls were decorated batik style.  

I'd love to visit Indonesia some day but not sure if that will ever happen.

Hope your Tuesday is a good one.

Winter Project Party

It's still not quite winter here yet (currently 98 F at 2:00 p.m.), but the fact that it's below 100 F during the middle of the day is a very good sign.

Once every two weeks I meet with my craft group and yesterday morning was one of those days.

 Knitting, crochet, embroidery.

Lots of different projects, ideas and advice shared when we gather.

I always take something mindless to work on since I usually wind up doing a whole lot of talking.  Unfortunately, on round two of the off-white yarn I'm adding, I realized I had accidentally placed a corner in the middle of the row.  Oops!

Perhaps I was distracted by the delicious vegan orange cake Zahra brought.  

At least it's easy to frog a crochet project, so that's what I will be working on.  In fact, I have many baby granny blankets in the works and am mostly trying to use up stash yarn.

I'm joining Jennifer at Thistlebear for her 2017-2018 Winter Project Link Party.

And looking forward to cooler weather.

Happy Sunday!

Closer to Home

My friend and former hairdresser, Kathy, is visiting from New Mexico, and whenever she is here, Sadu House is always on her list of go-to places.   No matter how many times I'm there, I always find it very inspiring.

The term "Al Sadu" refers to the traditional weaving process that depicts the nomadic and desert lifestyle of the Bedouin people through pattern, design and symmetry.

In order to support and safeguard this traditional art form, proceeds from weavings and other items that are sold in the newly renovated gift shop directly benefit local artisans.

The interior courtyard is used for lectures, workshops and bazaars.

And each room surrounding it is used to highlight different aspects of weaving.

The arts, quite simply, nourish the soul. They sustain, comfort, inspire. There is nothing like that exquisite moment when you first discover the beauty of connecting with others in celebration of larger ideals and shared wisdom.

(Gordon Gee)

Have a fabulous Friday!

Walking the Old Streets Again

For those who guessed Jerusalem, Palestine, you are correct.

On September 22nd we traveled to Jerusalem via Jordan.

View from our hotel lobby.

My husband's extended family lives in and around the old city.

 

Another couple accompanied us.  It was their first time visiting the Holy Land so after greeting the family and having lunch, we headed to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where I once again lit candles for my friend;s parents (her dad died in 2015 and her mom in 2016).  I also lit a candle for my Uncle Bob who just passed away on September 18th, five days short of what would have been his 81st birthday.

There were lots of tour groups visiting so quite crowded at times.

We walked through the souq every day.

And wandered the streets as we headed to different religious and historical spots.

 

 Dasman Gate

We saw so much in the 3 days we were there but I'll have to break it up into future posts.

Wishing you all a wonderful Wednesday.