Textile Trails’ 2019 tour of Bhutan was scheduled to coincide with three festivals and to give even greater opportunities for immersion and hands-on learning.
As ever, we were warmly welcomed by our Bhutanese hosts across the country.
We took in stunning Himalayan vistas
Including from the back of a 4WD for adventurers who couldn’t get enough of the fresh air and vast horizons!
A focus of these tours is hands-on opportunities to learn Bhutanese textile techniques from local artisans
As well as participate in the “travelling workshop” that I provide as part of the tour
There were many opportunities for demonstrations in local homes
And to explore the many arts & crafts practised in Bhutan
We learned about local customs and culture
Admired traditional architecture and decoration
And enjoyed eating outdoors
It was wonderful to travel with other textile lovers
and to shop where the locals shop and buy directly from artisans
We stretched our legs
More on some days than on others!
We hadd ample opportunities to interact with locals
as well as to simply observe them do their thing
Attending festivals with locals wearing their best outfits and seeing the sumptuous textiles in use will always be a highlight of these tours
Those with a special interest in embroidery and applique were treated to opportunities to examine master-works and everyday pieces on all scales, from shoulder-cloths to detailed thangkas to enormous thondrols
Bhutanese weavings never fail to impress with their incredible fine detail and endless creative combinations of colours and motifs
