At the recent Tauranga Creative Fibre event a number of customers were looking for small quantities of light weight un-dyed silk. Most silk of that type is made commercially and it is not always easy to trace the supply chain. However, it is something that Provenance will endeavour to supply in the future. In the mean time I do have in my personal stash un-dyed silk organza which is about 50cm wide by a couple of metres long; also have it in a nude/tan colour. Happy to sell this if anyone is interested, just email me at info@provenance.co.nz

Provenance is also looking to obtain more silk and silk blended fabrics from The Fabric Social initiative so watch this space!

“Late last year, The Fabric Social sent over Anissa Dove to work with the wonderful MBoutik Myanmar on sourcing and product development. Anissa was an instant hit with our Bagan based project partners, and worked closely with them to develop new weaving patterns, colour schemes and natural dye processes.

Our second collection with MBoutik featured natural dye made from tree bark, thanks to the ingenuity of Maw Maw (an MBoutik woman and head of the Women Craft Producers Association). The collection also uses the gingham and chequered motifs native to the Dryzone of Myanmar where our partners work.

One of our Burmese tailors Hnu Wai Wai has put her newfound garment tailoring skills to work and is the now the go-to designer and tailor for wedding outfits back in her village. The women continue to work collectively in their new tailoring unit that we helped establish.”

Our recent indigo dye class inspired Kirstie to create this cute little woolly pot! Kirstie’s beautiful yarn shows the amazing subtleties of hand dyeing yarns, such gorgeous shades of blue!

A couple of years ago I came across the Cambodian Charitable Trust which was setup by Denise Arnold of Tauranga. The board members include patron Theresa Gattung and ambassador Nadia Lim.

As some of you may know both Yvonne and I are keen advocates of education and in particular that of young girls and women. Provenance has previously donated to The Cambodian Charitable Trust because of their focus on providing free, quality education to vulnerable children, especially girls. You can not only donate to this worth charity but also volunteer. Check out their website for more information on what they do and how you can help.

www.cctnz.org.nz

Jo Dixey has recently released her new book “Stitch People” which covers 20 projects on modern embroidery techniques. Grab a copy at your local book store today!

Jo will be stitching at All Things Bernina in Westgate Auckland on the 16th September and the Women’s bookshop in Auckland on October 7th.