Five years before, Yi Crafts carried by the autumn breeze of Dali, took root in London with the indigo seeds. In the spring five years after, the wind of the English Channel carried the yearning for traditional crafts from friends 8,000 kilometres away, blowing into the indigo dyeing and embroidery of Zhou Chen, the wood carving of Xi Zhou, the felt making of Jin Gui Si, and the Yi braiding of Diao Cao village.
In an 11-days textiles retreat, we touched this land with our own hands, finally cultivating this blue forest by the Erhai Lake with love and craftsmanship.
Photos by @Ming Tang-Evans
Felt making workshop at Mater Yang’s 500 years old family courtyard in Jin Gui Si village
An indigo stitch resisted cloth making in progress
This is a trip for discovery, reflection and inspiration, nourish yourself in the nature and learn from local crafts people in Southwestern China Dali town. Immerse yourself in the arts and crafts activities and using your hand to create, create things that you desire for long time.
Local indigo farm in ZhouChen village
Stitch resist “Zha Ran” textiles factory in WeiShan village
Learning natural indigo dyeing
Learning Jia Ma woodcarving to create your own Bai god
Learning traditional Bai embroidery with local artisans
“I realised that building a bridge is important to be able to join places, but really, the most important part is the people on either side, without them, without people crossing the bridge has no meaning. ”
Different natural dyed fabric strips
Visiting indigo textiles factory, group photo with giant vats and dye master
Learning weaving on a 100 years old loom with Bai lady
Visiting felt making family in Jin Gui Si village
Visiting Dali Folk Arts & Crafts museum in Xi Zhou village
