Bali I hear you ask? Bali? Haven't you already been away this year? Didn't you just get back?
Well yes - but normally, as we are one of those half Australian/half British couples who live a bit of split life, we travel as a family. And normally travel for us involves car seats, and three small people, and camping. Well, not this time!
I have this very clever friend who happened to have a significant birthday not long ago. Way back when, on a sunny afternoon in February, she cleverly suggested her birthday trip to six of us lucky ducks. Then only four short hours after having the idea, she had managed to call us and suggest it, get everyone's agreement, and purchase tickets in the time window given for the flight sale. This is no small feat when you consider that between us we have 17 children! The idea was so crazy, that without her suggesting and arranging it, I don't think the rest of us would have ever proposed such an audacious plan (so big love to you my friend for making it possible xx). She is a total genius.
It was a week like nothing I've experienced since having kids. We didn't really do anything - except read a book or two, have a swim, do some yoga, eat raw chocolate and drink a few caipirinhas. And laugh. The happiest of days that none of us will forget for a long time.
Yoga at (the magical) Desa Seni.
Sunset in Canngu.
Rice paddies near Ubud.
Offering on our doorstep.
And Bali - well we all totally fell in love. I'd never been there before and really didn't know what to expect. It was beautiful! I can't wait to go back.
Anyway let's talk Threads Of Life. They are an amazing fair trade textiles shop that I went to visit on a day trip to Ubud. In their own words....
“Threads of Life is a fair trade business that works with culture and conservation to alleviate poverty in rural indonesia. The heirloom-quality textiles and baskets we commission are made with local materials and natural dyes to an exquisite standard usually seen only in museums.
We work directly with over 1,000 women on 11 islands across Indonesia, helping weavers to form independent cooperatives, to recover the skills of their ancestors, to manage their resources sustainably, and to express their culture identity while building their financial security.”
Our trip to Threads of Life involved leaping out of our taxi at 6.50pm (they shut at 7) and running as as fast as our sore-as-hell-due-to-lots-of-yoga-muscles would carry us. We had been stuck in hideous Ubud traffic, which was at a total standstill, and yet so determined were we to get there that Jenn and I sprinted (ha!) the last few blocks. They were closing the door as we arrived and we shamelessly begged. Begged and pleaded to be let it as we could see the goodness held within.
And I'm so glad we were so shameless. This place is magic. The most beautiful textiles with information on each piece of fabric about it's origin and creation. I've included a few photos but much of their work is available direct from their website. Supporting them is supporting communities of women and traditional handcraft. What could be better. They also have a beautiful instagram feed if you are looking for some inspiration.
Naturally dyed silks.
Part of the Ikat process.
Amazing work by the Timorese.
From it's tag - This Balinese handspun hand woven shawl is designed by Breeze, a small cottage industry of balinese artists. The natural dyed threads are from plants such as indigo. It is hands-on cotton too.
This cushion was from Jawa. The textile used in making this pillow cover is made from hands-on heirloom brown cotton and woven on a backstop loom by the community of weavers, Sekar Ayu, In Tuban Java. It is also naturally dyed.
This woman's shoulder cloth called Po'uk Bife is from Baum, Amarasi in the southern part of West Timor. Textiles from this areas share similar designs, and share many of the same motifs.
Any other Bali hot tips around textiles for those considering going?
Felicia x
